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    Home & Garden

    Flower Power Garden Hour

    Musings with people in the world of gardening, botany, horticulture and nature. Marlene takes her years of gardening experience, success and failures and turns it into an unpretentious, humorous listen. From organic vegetable gardening, houseplants, bee keeping, flowers, and everything in between — this podcast covers it.

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    • Google Play
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    Latest Episodes:
    FPGH 202: Elaine Fitzgerald, Be Water Smart #summerstrong competition Oct 27, 2024

    Elaine Fitzgerald is one of the winners of the Be Water Smart #summerstrong competition. Winners of the competition transformed their once water loving lawns/gardens into yards that are water efficient as well as beautiful. Listen in to hear how Elaine went from grass to a pollinator heaven.

    Help support feral cat rescue/spay-neuter/finding good homes by contributing at Flower Power Garden Hour Patreon.

    To ask questions for future shows, submit them at:

    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • email Marlene at marlenetheplantlady@gmail.com

    Find Marlene over on YouTube, Instagram and Facebook

    Flower Power Garden Hour 201: Janelle Auyeung, Be Water Smart #summerstrong competition Oct 19, 2024

    Janelle Auyeung is one of the winners of the Be Water Smart #summerstrong competition. Winners of this competition transformed their once water loving lawns/gardens into yards that are water efficient, but at that same time beautiful. Hear the steps Janelle took to make her backyard a magnificent oasis of fruit trees, vegetables and flowers.

    Help support feral cat rescue/spay-neuter/finding good homes by contributing at Flower Power Garden Hour Patreon.

    To ask questions for future shows, submit them at:

    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • email Marlene at marlenetheplantlady@gmail.com

    Find Marlene over on YouTube, Instagram and Facebook

    FPGH 200: September To Do, Listener Q&A Sep 18, 2024

    It is the September To Do List – believe it or not, we are in full Fall prep time. Lots of cool weather vegetables to start planting, and tons of clean up and pruning. It was quite a hot summer and time may have been sparse in the garden, but it’s time to get the gloves on and get to work. Episode includes Listener Q&A.

    It is time to plant:

    • Beets (seeds or plants)
    • Bok choy (seeds or plants)
    • Broccoli (plants)
    • Brussel sprouts
    • Cabbage (seeds or plants)
    • Carrots (seeds)
    • Cauliflower (plants)
    • Celery
    • Collards/Swiss chard (seeds or plants)
    • Kale (seeds or plants)
    • Kohlrabi (seeds or plants)
    • Garlic
    • Leek
    • Lettuce (seeds or plants)
    • Onion sets
    • Peas (seeds or plants)
    • Radish/radicchio/daikon/turnips
    • Spinach
    • Natives, Perennials, citrus – towards the end of September when it cools down

    Chores include:

    • Transplant/divide irises, grasses, tuberous plants
    • Buy bulbs
    • Collect seeds
    • Clean up – pull out vegetables which are done, fallen fruit
    • Prune lavender, hydrangeas
    • Pests – whiteflies may be setting in…..keep an eye on

    Listener Q&A section. Topics covered include:

    • Aloe – odd white material on the soil underneath?
    • Morning glory – how to get rid of invasive overgrowth?
    • Century plant – now that it is blooming, how to care for?
    • Fiddle leaf fig – how to prune?
    • Tomato – can cuttings be taken for next year?

    Help support feral cat rescue/spay-neuter/finding good homes by contributing at Flower Power Garden Hour Patreon.

    To ask questions for future shows, submit them at:

    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • email Marlene at marlenetheplantlady@gmail.com

    Find Marlene over on YouTube, Instagram and Facebook

    Flower Power Garden Hour 199: Mitigating HEAT issues Aug 04, 2024

    This episode is sponsored by bewatersmart.info.

    The heat getting to you? There’s a good chance it’s also impacting your plants. I discuss various heat related plant issues and ways to mitigate them.

    To ask questions for future shows, submit them at:

    · Facebook

    · Instagram

    · email Marlene at marlenetheplantlady@gmail.com

    Find Marlene over on YouTube, Instagram and Facebook

    Power Garden Hour 198: Top 10 Favorite Drought Tolerant Plants Jun 30, 2024

    This episode is sponsored by bewatersmart.info.

    In this episode, I discuss 10 of my favorite drought tolerant plants. Even if you think you don’t have a green thumb, these plants will thrive in your garden with minimal water requirements. Plus, I include pollinator information.

    To ask questions for future shows, submit them at:

    · Facebook

    · Instagram

    · email Marlene at marlenetheplantlady@gmail.com

    Find Marlene over on YouTube, Instagram and Facebook

    Flower Power Garden Hour 197: The Chocolate Botanist, Derek Haynes Jun 15, 2024

    In this episode, I have a great conversation with the Chocolate Botanist, Derek Haynes. Hear about his journey becoming a plant biologist as well about his mission to debunk misinformation on the internet. We discuss his “favorite” myths and how he handles the backlash he receives on social media.

    Derek is a plethora of educational and entertaining information -- links below can be found to his variety of media.

    • Instagram: @thechocolatebotanist
    • Website: thecrazybotanist.com
    • Facebook: @thecrazybotanist
    • YouTube: @TheChocolateBotanist
    • Twitter: @crazybotanist

    To ask questions for future shows, submit them at:

    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • email Marlene at marlenetheplantlady@gmail.com

    Find Marlene over on YouTube, Instagram and Facebook

    Flower Power Garden Hour 196: Soil science, with Robert Pavlis of Garden Fundamentals Apr 03, 2024

    Soil science can be a bit confusing. How long does it take for materials to be broken down, is it good practice to add microbes and what exactly are microbes? Robert Pavlis addresses these questions and more. Check out his new podcast Garden Fundamentals plus his impressive list of books including Soil Science for Gardeners and Compost Science for Gardeners. Check out more at his links below.

    Links below can be found to Robert’s vast expanse of media.

    · Podcast: Garden Fundamentals (available on Apple & Spotify)

    · Website: gardenmyths.com

    · Facebook: @GardenFundamentals

    · YouTube: @Gardenfundamentals1

    · Books:

    o Soil Science for Gardeners

    o Plant Science for Gardeners

    o Compost Science for Gardeners

    o Microbe Science for Gardeners Book

    o Garden Myths – Book 1 and Book 2

    To ask questions for future shows, submit them at:

    · Facebook

    · Instagram

    · email Marlene at marlenetheplantlady@gmail.com

    Find Marlene over on YouTube, Instagram and Facebook

    Flower Power Garden Hour 195: Montana gardening, with Theri Vasina L’Hirondelle Mar 09, 2024

    If I was picked up and dropped into a gardening zone relatively different than mine, it would be a huge steep learning curve. I love talking to gardeners from zones different than my zone 9b and it doesn’t get much different than zone 3. I have a fun and educational chat with Theri Vasina LHirondelle who grows amazing flowers and veggies in Montana.

    Theri can be found on Instagram at @backyard.impressions

    Help support feral cat rescue/spay-neuter/finding good homes by contributing at Flower Power Garden Hour Patreon.

    To ask questions for future shows, submit them at:

    · Facebook

    · Instagram

    · email Marlene at marlenetheplantlady@gmail.com

    Find Marlene over on YouTube, Instagram and Facebook

    Flower Power Garden Hour 194: Aroids, with Bruce Ritter Feb 20, 2024

    Dieffenbachia, ‘pothos’, Monstera… a great majority of houseplants are in the Araceae family which most people shorten to just say Aroids. I discuss this broad family with UC Davis Botanical Conservatory volunteer extraordinaire Bruce Ritter. He has revamped our collection and he shares all his tips and tricks with us.

    Help support feral cat rescue/spay-neuter/finding good homes by contributing at Flower Power Garden Hour Patreon.

    To ask questions for future shows, submit them at:

    · Facebook

    · Instagram

    · email Marlene at marlenetheplantlady@gmail.com

    Find Marlene over on YouTube, Instagram and Facebook

    Flower Power Garden Hour 193: February To Do List Feb 08, 2024

    Believe it or not, spring is around the corner. Here in NorCal, it is still wet with periods of cold, so one does have to be careful with working soil and protecting from potentially freezes. LOTS of prep to do for the upcoming season.

    It is time to plant:

    · Broccoli

    · Cabbage

    · Carrots

    · Cauliflower

    · Collards, swiss chard

    · Kale

    · Leeks

    · Loose leaf lettuce

    · Peas

    · Potatoes….late in the month

    Chores include:

    · Sow tomatoes inside

    · Start flowers (sunflowers, strawflower, zinnias, etc)

    · Direct sow sweet peas

    · Plant bare-root (roses, fruit trees, asparagus, strawberries, rhubarb, berries)

    · Spray fruit trees

    · Fertilize

    · Compost

    · Clean up, cut back

    · Prune roses, fruit trees

    Help support feral cat rescue/spay-neuter/finding good homes by contributing at Flower Power Garden Hour Patreon.

    To ask questions for future shows, submit them at:

    · Facebook

    · Instagram

    · email Marlene at marlenetheplantlady@gmail.com

    Find Marlene over on YouTube, Instagram and Facebook

    Flower Power Garden Hour 192: December To Do, Listener Q&A Dec 24, 2023

    It’s here – the last To Do list of the year. So far it has been a mild winter, with regards to both temperature and moisture. It is the time to plant another round of winter vegetables, work on pest management, and start planning for your spring garden. We are at the apex of short days, so time to work is limited. Episode includes Listener Q&A, with topics listed below.

    It is time to plant:

    · Asparagus

    · Bok choy

    · Kale

    · Onion sets

    · Radish

    Chores include:

    · Cut back garden, clean up

    · Watch for cabbage aphids, loopers

    · Spray for peach leaf curl, dormant sprays

    · Order seeds for spring

    Listener Q&A section. Topics covered include:

    · Waterless amaryllis – can it be planted in a pot?

    · Banana plant – do they need to be brought inside for winter? If not, should be wrapped for protection from cold weather? At what age will they duplicate and produce fruit?

    · Can fallen leaves in the garden be used to cover garden beds containing flowers?

    · Butterfly bush – should the significant new growth be cut back in order to optimize growth in spring?

    · Pineapple plant – have had for 2.5 years….when should a pineapple be expected?

    · Bromeliads – how to care for them after the flower blooms and subsequently dies?

    Help support feral cat rescue/spay-neuter/finding good homes by contributing at Flower Power Garden Hour Patreon.

    To ask questions for future shows, submit them at:

    · Facebook

    · Instagram

    · email Marlene at marlenetheplantlady@gmail.com

    Find Marlene over on YouTube, Instagram and Facebook

    Flower Power Garden Hour 191: Kids gardening literature, with author Collin Pine Nov 19, 2023

    How do we ensure the next generations become stewards of the land? Of course exposing them to nature and getting them outdoors but also having conversations and reading with them. I talk with author, Collin Pine, about his children’s book ‘The Garden Next Door’ and how its message is more important than ever.

    Collin’s latest book is called “The Garden Next Door’”

    Collin can be found at:

    · Instagram: @collin.pine

    · River Horse Books

    To ask questions for future shows, submit them at:

    · Facebook

    · Instagram

    · email Marlene at marlenetheplantlady@gmail.com

    Find Marlene over on YouTube, Instagram and Facebook

    Flower Power Garden Hour 190: Gardening can be Murder (in literature), with author Marta McDowell Nov 08, 2023

    Gardening can be murder... that is what a lot of people who claim to have a brown thumb think. But in this case, I’m discussing murder mystery books and their links to gardening. Author, Marta McDowell, joins me to discuss her new book “Gardening Can Be Murder: How poisonous Poppies, Sinister Shovels and Grim Gardens Have Inspired Mystery Writers’. We discuss historical detectives who a passion for plants, methods of murder as well as my favorite topic… poisonous plants!

    Marta’s latest book extensively covers the topic discussed today. It is called “Gardening Can Be Murder: How Poisonous Poppies, Sinister Shovels, and Grim Gardens Have Inspired Mystery Writers”

    Marta can be found at:

    · Website: martamcdowell.com

    · Facebook: @marta.mcdowell.5

    To ask questions for future shows, submit them at:

    · Facebook

    · Instagram

    · email Marlene at marlenetheplantlady@gmail.com

    Find Marlene over on YouTube, Instagram and Facebook

    Flower Power Garden Hour 189: Trees, with Arborist Pamela Sanchez of the Sacramento Tree Foundation Oct 21, 2023

    Trees -- we all know how important they are. But what are the best trees for zone 9? How exactly do you properly plant, stake and water a new tree? Pamela Sanchez -- Certified Arborist and Education Programs Manager for the Sacramento Tree Foundation -- joins me to discuss these topics and more.

    Pamela and the Sacramento Tree can be found at:

    · Website: sactree.org

    · Instagram: @sactree

    · Facebook: @Sacramento Tree Foundation

    To ask questions for future shows, submit them at:

    · Facebook

    · Instagram

    · email Marlene at marlenetheplantlady@gmail.com

    Find Marlene over on YouTube, Instagram and Facebook

    Flower Power Garden Hour 188: October To Do, Listener Q&A Oct 04, 2023

    It is the October To Do List, and that means it is a very busy time in the garden. Clean up from summer vegetables and prepping for fall and winter. The days are cooler, but shorter – which means you have to work efficiently and hard. Episode includes Listener Q&A, with topics listed below.

    It is time to plant:

    · Fava beans

    · Beets

    · Bok choy

    · Carrots

    · Celery

    · Swiss chard

    · Collards

    · Garlic

    · Kale

    · Kohlrabi

    · Leeks

    · Lettuce

    · Onions

    · Peas

    · Radish

    · Spinach

    · Turnips

    · All perennials, bulbs

    Chores include:

    · Clean up vegetable beds (prevent diseases), mess from fruit trees

    · Collect seeds

    · Divide plants such as grasses, iris

    · Compost

    Listener Q&A section. Topics covered include:

    · What to do about aphid infestation on large trees

    · Lemon tree – producing fruit, but leaves are very pale

    · Succulents – fertilizer?

    · Best time of year to prune cherry tree

    · Tomato plants – to compost or not?

    Help support feral cat rescue/spay-neuter/finding good homes by contributing at Flower Power Garden Hour Patreon.

    To ask questions for future shows, submit them at:

    · Facebook

    · Instagram

    · email Marlene at marlenetheplantlady@gmail.com

    Find Marlene over on YouTube, Instagram and Facebook

    Flower Power Garden Hour 187: Seeds, with Jennifer Jewell of Cultivating Place podcast Sep 27, 2023

    Seeds. As gardeners we sow them, order them, harvest them, and sometime try to prevent them. Author and gardener Jennifer Jewell delves even deeper into the science and importance of seeds in her new book ‘What We Sow’. We discuss her inspiration for the book and talk about why seeds are so important in our ecosystem, cultures and overall survival as humans.

    Jennifer Jewell, Cultivating Place and her new book ‘What We Sow’ can be found at:

    · Book: What We Sow

    · Website: Cultivating Place

    · Instagram: @cultivating_place

    · Facebook: @cultivatingplace

    · Pinterest: @cultivate_place

    To ask questions for future shows, submit them at:

    · Facebook

    · Instagram

    · email Marlene at marlenetheplantlady@gmail.com

    Find Marlene over on YouTube, Instagram and Facebook

    Flower Power Garden Hour 186: Firesafe and water wise gardening, with Soleil Tranquilli of Tranquill Gardens Sep 11, 2023

    As a plant person with minimal design skills, I’m in awe of people with both skill sets. In this episode I talk to Soleil Tranquilli about how she combines her artistic design ability with her wealth of plant knowledge to create firesafe, water wise and tranquil gardens. She is the owner of Tranquill Gardens as well as being a Certified watershed Wise Landscape Pro and the president of the Sacramento Association of Professional Landscape Designers.

    Soleil and Tranquill Gardens can be found at:

    · Website: Tranquill Gardens

    · Website: Association of Professional Landscape Designers

    · Facebook: Tranquill Gardens

    To ask questions for future shows, submit them at:

    · Facebook

    · Instagram

    · email Marlene at marlenetheplantlady@gmail.com

    Find Marlene over on YouTube, Instagram and Facebook

    Flower Power Garden Hour 185: September To Do, Listener Q&A, Horticulture News Sep 02, 2023

    It is the September To Do List – believe it or not, we are in full Fall prep time. Lots of cool weather vegetables to start planting, and tons of clean up and pruning. Summer may have been easy in the garden, but it’s time to get the gloves on and get to work. Episode includes Listener Q&A and a discussion around current published articles in the horticulture world.

    It is time to plant:

    • Beets
    • Carrots
    • Broccoli
    • Brussel sprouts
    • Cauliflower
    • Cabbage
    • Celery
    • Swiss chard
    • Collards
    • Garlic
    • Leek
    • Lettuce
    • Peas
    • Radish
    • Spinach
    • Perennials – towards the end of September when it cools down

    Chores include:

    • Clean up – pull out vegetables which are done, fallen fruit
    • Prune lavender, hydrangeas
    • Pests – whiteflies may be setting in…..keep an eye on

    Listener Q&A section. Topics covered include:

    • What are the galls attached to oaks? Are they harmful to the tree?
    • When replanting a Venus Fly Trap, does it require a specific soil?
    • Gardenias – no buds or flowers…..is this a location issue?
    • Lantana issues

    Help support feral cat rescue/spay-neuter/finding good homes by contributing at Flower Power Garden Hour Patreon.

    To ask questions for future shows, submit them at:

    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • email Marlene at marlenetheplantlady@gmail.com

    Find Marlene over on YouTube, Instagram and Facebook

    Flower Power Garden Hour 184: Passion vines and houseplant care, with Justin Hancock of Costa Farms Aug 26, 2023

    You can say that my guest, Justin Hancock, is passionate about passion vines! But he is also passionate about anything that grows. As a horticulturalist for one of the top nurseries, Costa Farms, he gets to surround himself with all types of plants. We discuss, of course, passion vines as well as houseplant care.

    Justin and Costa Farms can be found at:

    · Instagram: justinwhancock

    · Website: costafarms.com

    · Instagram: costafarms

    · Facebook: Costa Farms

    · Twitter: @CostaFarms

    · YouTube: @CostaFarms

    · TikTok: costa.farms

    To ask questions for future shows, submit them at:

    · Facebook

    · Instagram

    · email Marlene at marlenetheplantlady@gmail.com

    Find Marlene over on YouTube, Instagram and Facebook

    Flower Power Garden Hour 183: August To Do, Horticulture News, Listener Q&A Aug 12, 2023

    It is the August To Do List, and we are having a gorgeous summer that is offering up IDEAL garden conditions. Vegetable and fruit harvests are bountiful, but there is prep work for fall piling up.

    It is time to: Plant seeds in ground, including: beets, cabbage, carrots, turnips, potatoes

    Prep garden beds for Fall planting in September: Weed, compost

    Chores include:

    • Dead-head flowers
    • Pick up fallen fruit
    • Cut off suckers
    • Prevent weeds from going to seed
    • Collect seeds
    • Harvest melons
    • Order fall bulbs (daffodils, tulips, etc)
    • Deep water trees

    We finish up with a Listener Q&A section. Topics covered include:

    • Are pill bugs good for the soil?
    • Do I need to keep “braiding” my plant?
    • Habanero not blooming – why?
    • Fig tree only produce dry, inedible figs. Why?

    Help support feral cat rescue/spay-neuter/finding good homes by contributing at Flower Power Garden Hour Patreon.

    To ask questions for future shows, submit them at:

    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • email Marlene at marlenetheplantlady@gmail.com

    Find Marlene over on YouTube, Instagram and Facebook

    Flower Power Garden Hour 182: Replace your lawn with a cacti/succulent garden, with Gianluca Bacci Aug 03, 2023

    Want to replace your lawn with a cacti/succulent garden? Here’s how. My coworker and succulent grower extraordinaire, Gianluca Bacci, joins me to discuss succulent growing tips. We talk about major do’s and don’ts of succulent care plus why the saguaro cacti of Arizona are dying.

    Gianluca can be found at:

    · Instagram: marinsect_gianluca

    To ask questions for future shows, submit them at:

    · Facebook

    · Instagram

    · email Marlene at marlenetheplantlady@gmail.com

    Find Marlene over on YouTube, Instagram and Facebook

    Flower Power Garden Hour 181: Balcony gardens, with Deborah Holtschlag of PlantTraps Jul 29, 2023

    Many of us walk around with ideas/inventions in our head but don’t follow through with them for numerous reasons. In this episode, I talk with inventor/founder of PlantTraps, Deborah Holtschlag, about how she came up with an idea and ran with it. We discuss her products that turn balconies into amazing gardens as well as her journey from idea to market.

    Links below can be found to Deborah and PlantTraps.

    · Website: planttraps.com

    · Instagram: planttraps

    · Facebook: planttraps

    · YouTube: @planttraps

    To ask questions for future shows, submit them at:

    · Facebook

    · Instagram

    · email Marlene at marlenetheplantlady@gmail.com

    Find Marlene over on YouTube, Instagram and Facebook

    Flower Power Garden Hour 180: July To Do & Listener Q&A Jul 16, 2023

    It is the July To Do List, and we are in the HEAT of summer. Garden work is relegated to morning and (maybe) late afternoon given the blistering temperatures. Luckily, it is not the busiest time of the year garden wise – hopefully most of your time is spent harvesting vegetables. Plenty to do still from a maintenance perspective, and believe it or not….some early prep for Fall/Winter.

    It is time to:

    · Sow seeds indoors for brussel sprouts, cauliflower, broccoli

    Chores include:

    · Deep water trees

    · Deep water in-ground plants

    · Mulch

    · Weed

    · HARVEST

    · Snip off flowers of basil, other herbs

    · Keep an eye out for insects – spray, squish

    · Dead-head flowers

    We finish up with a Listener Q&A section. Topics covered include:

    · What is a good way to get rid of ants indoors?

    · What are the best cut flower options?

    · Pumpkins turning yellow and rotting before they turn orange – why?

    · Fastest growing shrubs that do well in full sun with minimal water?

    To ask questions for future shows, submit them at:

    · Facebook

    · Instagram

    · email Marlene at marlenetheplantlady@gmail.com

    Find Marlene over on YouTube, Instagram and Facebook

    FPGH 179. Tomato Myths (& more) Jun 30, 2023
    Flower Power Garden Hour 178: June To Do & Listener Q&A Jun 19, 2023

    It is the June To Do List, and here in Zone 9 it seems that summer has arrived. Hot weather is becoming the daily norm, and everything is quickly drying up from a very wet winter. At this point in the garden a lot of the hard prep work has been done and we now begin summer maintenance mode.

    It is time to plant:

    • · Perennials, roses, herbs, veggies… beans, corn, cucumbers, tomatoes, watermelon, melons, okra, chard, eggplant, peppers, pumpkins, squash, watermelon, cucamelons

    Chores include:

    • · Mulch
    • · Deadhead roses
    • · Rootstock suckers
    • · Look for pests
    • · Plant flowers

    We finish up with a Listener Q&A section. Topics covered include:

    • · Fertilizer for dragon fruit?
    • · Anything that can be done to help tomato flowers set fruit?
    • · Preparation for removing lawn for a water wise landscape.
    • · Large, very old female mulberry tree(s) are being removed by the city of Stockton. What will the impact be on the remaining male mulberry tree? Will it produce more pollen? Will it still produce berries?

    To ask questions for future shows, submit them at:

    • · Facebook
    • · Instagram
    • · email Marlene at marlenetheplantlady@gmail.com

    Find Marlene over on YouTube, Instagram and Facebook

    Flower Power Garden Hour 177: Essential Oils, with Amy Anthony of NYC Aromatica May 26, 2023

    For centuries people have been harvesting and obtaining oils from plants. From lavender to Frankincense, researchers know that oils are important compounds in plants for many reasons. In this episode I talk to aromatherapy expert, Amy Anthony of NYC Aromatica, all about essential oils and how you can utilize them in your life. We touch upon distilling flowers, which ones you can grow in your garden and her favorites. And find out which flower I tried to distill but failed at miserably!!

    Links below can be found to NYC Aromatica to learn more.

    · Website: nycaromatica.com

    · Podcast: Essential Aromatica

    · Instagram: nycaromatica

    · YouTube: @nycaromatica

    · Facebook: @NYC Aromatica

    · LinkedIn: Amy Anthony

    To ask questions for future shows, submit them at:

    · Facebook

    · Instagram

    · email Marlene at marlenetheplantlady@gmail.com

    Find Marlene over on YouTube, Instagram and Facebook

    Flower Power Garden Hour 176: May To Do & Listener Q&A May 07, 2023

    It is the May To Do List, and the here in Zone 9 the winter weather seems to have finally broken. Warm days have been persistent, but there is still some cool and wet weather. Lots to do in the garden as we catch up from a long winter and prepare for spring/summer.

    It is time to plant:

    · Vegetables: Tomatoes, peppers, eggplant, beans, swiss chard, corn, cucumbers, okra, melons, squash, watermelon

    Chores include:

    • Mulch
    • Plant everything
    • Check irrigation/flush lines
    • Thin stonefruit
    • Peach leaf curl
    • Fertilize pots
    • Transplant succulents
    • Monitor for pests/prep

    We finish up with a Listener Q&A section. Topics covered include:

    • Hummingbird moths – what plants attract them?
    • Camelia tree bush – blooms pink every spring, but quickly drops them. Suggestions?
    • Bird of Paradise – how to separate and transplant into smaller pots
    • Wine barrels – got saturated because there were no holes and water did not drain. Once it does drain, can the soil be reused or should it be replaced?

    To ask questions for future shows, submit them at:

    · Facebook

    · Instagram

    · email Marlene at marlenetheplantlady@gmail.com

    Find Marlene over on YouTube, Instagram and Facebook

    Flower Power Garden Hour 175: Kids Gardening, with Em Shipman, Executive Director of KidsGardening.org Apr 15, 2023

    April is Kid’s Gardening Month! Joining me to talk about resources to help teachers and parents with activities, grants and lesson plants is Em Shipman, Executive Director of KidsGardening.org . And FYI- a lot of these lessons are great for grownups!

    If folks want to contribute to our work, donations are 100% tax deductible. We are able to reach 8 more kids with every dollar donated! Here is the donation link.

    Additional useful information discussed in the episode – and links to KidsGardening media – can be found below.

    · Website: KidsGardening; Kids Garden Community

    · Instagram: kidsgardening

    · Twitter: @Kids_Gardening

    · Pintrest: @kidsgardening

    · Facebook: KidsGardening.org

    · YouTube: @KidsGardening.org

    · Activities:

    o Container Gardening

    o Seed Viewer

    o Kitchen Scrap Gardening

    o Learn about Landfills Lesson Plan

    To ask questions for future shows, submit them at:

    · Facebook

    · Instagram

    · email Marlene at marlenetheplantlady@gmail.com

    Find Marlene over on YouTube, Instagram and Facebook

    Flower Power Garden Hour 174: April To Do, Asparagus growing tips, & Listener Q&A Apr 09, 2023

    It is the April To Do List, and the persistent wet and cold weather is still here in the west. Nevertheless, we are getting warmer, longer days and spring will soon be in full effect.

    We also spend some time reviewing asparagus growing tips, as it is a popular question amongst listeners.

    It is time to plant:

    • Vegetables: Eggplant, squash, corn, cucumbers, swiss chard, jicama, okra, melons, peppers, sweet potatoes, watermelons
    • Flowers: Perennials, dahlias, sunflower seeds

    Chores include:

    • Weed
    • Prune once flowering shrubs
    • Mulch
    • Watch for insects

    We finish up with a Listener Q&A section. Topics covered include:

    • Rhubarb – growing tips
    • What kind of trees will grow well in full sun in the Central Valley/Foothills
    • Red clover – recommendations for using as nitrogen fixer
    • Cherry tomatoes – advice on early season transplanting to larger containers, and where/how to move outside (especially if cold still)

    To ask questions for future shows, submit them at:

    · Facebook

    · Instagram

    · email Marlene at marlenetheplantlady@gmail.com

    Find Marlene over on YouTube, Instagram and Facebook

    Flower Power Garden Hour 173: Glenn Dickerson, Begonia Collection Curator at Fort Worth Botanic Garden Apr 02, 2023

    Begonias are like potato chips, you can’t stop at one. In this episode I’m talking with Glenn Dickerson, Begonia collections curator at the Fort Worth Botanic Garden, about all his tips and tricks to keep their massive collection healthy and thriving. We discuss soil, fertilizer, types of Begonias, problematic Rex varieties and more.

    Glenn and some fantastic begonia resources can be found below:

    • American Begonia Society Website: begonias.com
    • Fort Worth Botanic Garden Website: fwbg.org
    • Fort Worth Botanic Garden Instagram: fortworthbotanicgarden
    • Glenn Dickerson Instagram: begoniaking
    • Facebook: Fort Worth Botanic Garden

    To ask questions for future shows, submit them at:

    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • email Marlene at marlenetheplantlady@gmail.com

    Find Marlene over on YouTube, Instagram and Facebook

    Flower Power Garden Hour 172: Don Shor of Redwood Barn Nursery, Fruit Tree Troubleshooting Mar 11, 2023

    Peach leaf curl, fire blight, citrus issues, and more. Don Shor, owner of Redwood Barn Nursery and horticulturist extraordinaire, joins me to discuss issues that may arise on your fruit trees this spring and summer.

    Don and Redwood Barn Nursery can be found at:

    • Website: redwoodbarn.com
    • Instagram: redwoodbarnnursery & don.shor
    • Facebook: Redwood Barn Nursery
    • Podcasts: Davis Garden Show on Apple Podcasts; Jazz After Dark on Apple Podcasts

    To ask questions for future shows, submit them at:

    · Facebook

    · Instagram

    · email Marlene at marlenetheplantlady@gmail.com

    Find Marlene over on YouTube, Instagram and Facebook

    Flower Power Garden Hour 171: March To Do & Listener Q&A Mar 04, 2023

    It is the March To Do List, and we are still in the heart of winter with lots of cold and wet days. Not just cold and wet – we have had very low elevation snow throughout California…crazy. Spring looms though, and preparation is paramount.

    It is time to plant:

    · Vegetables: Broccoli, beets, cabbage, cauliflower, chive, collards, swiss chard, kale, lettuce, potatoes, radish

    · Start tomato, eggplant, and (maybe) peppers inside

    · Annual flowers

    · Dahlias & summer bulbs (like gladiolas)

    Chores include:

    · Prune roses

    · Check irrigation

    · Transplant actively growing plants

    · Cut back dying foliage of bulbs

    We finish up with a Listener Q&A section. Topics covered include:

    · Can roses be trimmed in Dec/Jan before the budding starts?

    · Tomato questions:

    o When is the best time to start planting?

    o Is it better to start them in the ground or a container?

    o When I plant tomatoes, are there other vegetables (certain peppers?) that can be planted at the same time?

    · Is it too late to plant bulbs? Are there any particular varieties that can be planted in late Feb/March?

    · African violets that have not bloomed in a very long time – any recommendations about how to get them to bloom?

    To ask questions for future shows, submit them at:

    · Facebook

    · Instagram

    · email Marlene at marlenetheplantlady@gmail.com

    Find Marlene over on YouTube, Instagram and Facebook

    Flower Power Garden Hour 170: February To Do & Listener Q&A Feb 11, 2023

    It is the February To Do List, and we are still in the heart of winter with plenty of cold days. Spring is around the corner though, and preparation has to get started.

    It is time to plant:

    • · Vegetables: Broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower, swiss chard, collards, kale, lettuce, peas, radish
    • · Plant bare-root roses, fruit trees

    Chores include:

    • · Prune roses, fruit trees
    • · Start cleaning up garden
    • · Start seeds: Tomatoes, peppers, and eggplants inside
    • · Divide plants
    • · Buy dahlia bulbs, sweet pea seeds

    We finish up with a Listener Q&A section. Topics covered include:

    · Persistent white fly and aphid infestation. Does all soil in planter boxes need to be replaced to solve this problem?

    · Questions about using chicken manure & alfalfa pellets in the garden: When & how do they get applied? Should wood chips be moved before application? Should organic pellets/manure be used?

    · What is the best way to move a Bird of Paradise?

    · What are the little holes in an apricot tree? And are they lethal?

    · The best fertilizer for an orange tree?

    · Dragonfruit plant is covered in circular, red spots & appears to be yellowing? What can be done?

    To ask questions for future shows, submit them at:

    • · Facebook
    • · Instagram
    • · email Marlene at marlenetheplantlady@gmail.com

    Find Marlene over on YouTube, Instagram and Facebook

    Flower Power Garden Hour 169: January To Do & Listener Q&A Jan 15, 2023

    It is the January To Do List, and we are in the rainiest season out wet in a very long time. Temperatures have moderated a bit, however. Tough to get out in the garden with this much rain, but there are things that need to be done during the dry periods.

    It is time to plant:

    • Bareroot trees, roses, shrubs
    • Radishes
    • Lettuce
    • Onions
    • Bok choy
    • Fava beans

    Chores include:

    • Protect from frost. Watch weather report for potential frost days
    • Don’t work wet soils --- very important
    • Spray for peach leaf curl and other fungal diseases
    • Can prune fruit trees – but listen to the caveats in the episode

    We finish up with a Listener Q&A section. Topics covered include:

    • How much of a dry period is needed to spray liquid copper on fruit trees?
    • Can a rose stem from a bouquet be rooted? What is the process?
    • When to transplant a Little Ollie olive tree from a plastic pot to the ground?
    • When to prune hydrangeas?
    • What is the process for propagating fig tree cuttings?
    • Can a Boston Fern survive in an outdoor enclosed room?

    To ask questions for future shows, submit them at:

    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • email Marlene at marlenetheplantlady@gmail.com

    Find Marlene over on YouTube, Instagram and Facebook

    Flower Power Garden Hour 168: Magnolias, with Andrew Bunting Jan 07, 2023

    We are all familiar with the iconic southern magnolia and possibly even the show stopping saucer magnolia…but there are many more beauties in this genus. I had the pleasure of talking with Andrew Bunting -- the Vice President of Horticulture at the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society and author of “The Plant Lover’s Guide to Magnolias”. We discuss everything from range of habitat, to care and unique species that can be incorporated into your garden.

    Andrew can be found at:

    • Website: Pennsylvania Horticultural Society
    • Facebook: @PHSgardening
    • Twitter: @PHSgardening
    • Instagram: @phsgardening
    • YouTube: @PHSgardening
    • LinkedIn: Pennsylvania Horticultural Society

    Magnolia sources:

    • Gossler Farms Nursey
    • Rare Find Nursery
    • Broken Arrow Nursery
    • Cistus Nursey
    • Camelia Forest Nursery
    • Far Reaches Farm

    Societies:

    • Magnolia Society International
    • Pennsylvania Horticultural Society
    • Pacific Horticulture

    Botanic Gardens and Arboreta:

    • Huntington Botanical Garden
    • San Francisco Botanical Garden
    • Sonoma Botanical Garden
    • Rhododendron Species Botanical Garden
    • Heronswood

    To ask questions for future shows, submit them at:

    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • email Marlene at marlenetheplantlady@gmail.com

    Find Marlene over on YouTube, Instagram and Facebook

    Flower Power Garden Hour 167: Christmas Plants Wrap Up Dec 24, 2022
    Flower Power Garden Hour 166: December To Do & Listener Q&A Dec 15, 2022

    It is the December To Do List, and we are in the middle of winter garden season. Weather is COLD, and so far it has been relatively wet.

    It is time to plant:

    • Asparagus
    • Fava beans
    • Bok choy
    • Broccoli rabe
    • Garlic
    • Kale
    • Loose leaf lettuce
    • Mustard
    • Onion sets
    • Radish

    Do not plant yet:

    • Bareroot trees
    • Roses
    • Berries

    Chores include:

    • Protect succulents from water
    • Frost protection
    • Clean up – but leave some debris remaining
    • Spray dormant trees (peach leaf curl)
    • Plant bulbs

    We finish up with a Listener Q&A section. Topics covered include:

    • What are your thoughts on using a moisture meter to determine if plants need water?
    • How often should a yard be watered during the winter?
    • Banana tree – should it be inside or outside during the winter?
    • Putting asparagus plants down for the winter
    • Christmas cactus best practices

    To ask questions for future shows, submit them at:

    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • email Marlene at marlenetheplantlady@gmail.com

    Find Marlene over on YouTube, Instagram and Facebook

    Flower Power Garden Hour 165: San Francisco Conservatory of Flowers, with Kristen Natoli & Sarah Sawtelle Dec 04, 2022

    What is it like to work in the oldest greenhouse conservatory in the US? I talk to the San Francisco Conservatory of Flowers Kristen Natoli (Collections Manager) and Sarah Sawtelle (Engagement Manager) about the ins and outs of this historic collection and building. With such an amazing collection of plants – where do they source them from? How do they decide what is kept and what to get rid of? And of course, we talk about the Giant water lilies, corpse plant and bat flower.

    The SF Conservatory of Flowers can be found at:

    • Website: org
    • Instagram: @conservatoryofflowers
    • Twitter: @SFConservatory
    • Facebook: @ConservatoryofFlowers
    • YouTube: @SanFranciscoConservatoryofFlowers

    To ask questions for future shows, submit them at:

    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • email Marlene at marlenetheplantlady@gmail.com

    Find Marlene over on YouTube, Instagram and Facebook

    Flower Power Garden Hour 164: Compost, with Kevin Marini Nov 20, 2022

    Compost…this is music to most gardener’s ears. FREE compost is even better. Many people think that expensive compost makers, tons of space, and ample time is required – this is NOT the case. In this episode I welcome back master composter Kevin Marini to discuss everything compost. Do you know the difference between hot and cold compost, the optimal size and temperature of a pile, and what unusual items can be placed in your compost? Trust me…..Kevin has heard it all through his composting Rot Line!

    To ask questions for future shows, submit them at:

    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • email Marlene at marlenetheplantlady@gmail.com

    Find Marlene over on YouTube, Instagram and Facebook

    Flower Power Garden Hour 163: Bulbs, with Peggy Anne Montgomery Nov 12, 2022

    Every gardener – no matter how long you have been gardening – gets excited for the first shoots of spring emerging bulbs. Bulbs are incredibly easy to grow, and for many they naturalize and multiply year after year, creating a no-fuss flower show. I talk to bulb expert Peggy Anne Montgomery about growing bulbs and how to incorporate them into your lawn…..yes, your lawn. She has tips on how to dig holes, what to incorporate when planting, how to implement the lasagna method, and which bulbs rodents will avoid.

    Peggy Anne and additional information about bulbs can be found at:

    • Website: flowerbulbs.com
    • Instagram: @flowerbulbsdotcom
    • Facebook: @Flowerbulbs.com
    • Pinterest: @Flowerbulbs.com
    • Twitter: @FlowerbulbsCom
    • YouTube: @Flowerbulbs

    To ask questions for future shows, submit them at:

    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • email Marlene at marlenetheplantlady@gmail.com

    Find Marlene over on YouTube, Instagram and Facebook

    Flower Power Garden Hour 162: November To Do & Listener Q&A Nov 02, 2022

    It is the November To Do List, and we are in the throes of winter garden prep. Weather is starting to cool rapidly, and (hopefully) out west we start seeing moisture soon.

    It is time to plant:

    • Fava beans
    • Bok choy
    • Celery
    • Swiss chard
    • Garlic
    • Kale
    • Kohlrabi
    • Lettuce
    • Mustard
    • Onions
    • Peas
    • Radish
    • Shallots
    • Spinach
    • Perennials (except frost sensitive)
    • Spring blooming bulbs
    • Cover crops: Fava beans, Crimson clover
    • Spring blooming annual seeds: Natives, sweet peas

    Chores include:

    • Clean up summer garden
    • Dig up/divide perennials such as: Cannas, agapanthus, grasses
    • Avoid transplanting succulents
    • Order seeds for next year
    • Weed control

    We finish up with a Listener Q&A section. Topics covered include:

    • Is it too late to plant sweet pea seeds?
    • Iris bulbs – okay to plant now, or store for next year?
    • How to divide and plant Elephant Ear, Bird of Paradise, and Banana Tree?
    • Brussel sprouts and Romanesco being predated – what is doing it, and how to prevent?
    • Dieffenbachia – how to transplant?
    • Purple Pony Plum infested with caterpillars – how to get rid of?

    To ask questions for future shows, submit them at:

    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • email Marlene at marlenetheplantlady@gmail.com

    Find Marlene over on YouTube, Instagram and Facebook

    Flower Power Garden Hour 161: Birds, with Tammy Poppie Oct 29, 2022

    Watching birds go about their lives in your garden is one of the many benefits of gardening. Besides the joy of watching them, they are also busy eating pests and helping to keep a balanced ecosystem. I talk to bird expert Tammy Poppie about ways to create a healthy, safe and inviting environment for birds.

    Tammy and additional information about birding and their interaction with plants can be found at:

    • onthefeeder.com
    • allaboutbirds.org
    • audubon.org/native-plants

    To ask questions for future shows, submit them at:

    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • email Marlene at marlenetheplantlady@gmail.com

    Find Marlene over on YouTube, Instagram and Facebook

    Flower Power Garden Hour 160: Andrew Bunting, Fall Garden Preparation Oct 22, 2022

    Fall is THE time to prep for a wonderful spring/summer garden. I talk to Andrew Bunting -- Pennsylvania Horticultural Society’s Vice President of Horticulture -- all about planting bulbs, soil prep, what to plant, what to watch out for and how to create habitats for beneficial insects, bees and birds.

    Andrew and resources from the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society can be found at:

    • Website: Pennsylvania Horticultural Society
    • Facebook: @PHSgardening
    • Twitter: @PHSgardening
    • Instagram: @phsgardening
    • YouTube: @PHSgardening
    • LinkedIn: Pennsylvania Horticultural Society

    To ask questions for future shows, submit them at:

    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • email Marlene at marlenetheplantlady@gmail.com

    Find Marlene over on YouTube, Instagram and Facebook

    Flower Power Garden Hour 159: Greg Bundesen, Water conservation while maintaining a green garden Oct 12, 2022

    As California and the west continue to suffer the effects of drought, it is more important than ever to be water-wise in the garden. I talk to Greg Bundesen – Sacramento Water Conservation Supervisor – about what you can do as a homeowner and gardener to use less water but still maintain a green space. We discuss grey water, mulch, converting sprinklers to drip, and where you find ample water saving information.

    Further information can be found at:

    • Sacramento Suburban Water District
    • Be Water Smart

    To ask questions for future shows, submit them at:

    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • email Marlene at marlenetheplantlady@gmail.com

    Find Marlene over on YouTube, Instagram and Facebook

    Flower Power Garden Hour 158: Joe Lamp’l -- aka “Joe Gardener” – Raised beds, from Why to How Sep 25, 2022

    Joe Lamp’l – from “Joe Gardener” fame – is America’s gardener. Given that his public television show Growing a Greener World is shown in 38 countries, Joe is more appropriately the WORLD’s gardener. He has an illustrious, long career spanning television, print, podcasting, and video content. Above all, Joe is an educator – his gardening passion is infectious, and his communication ability to make challenging concepts simple is a strength. He has taken this to the masses in his Online Gardening Academy, offering a growing (pun intended) curriculum of classes available to the public at affordable prices.

    In this episode, we cover a range of topics, but our focus is on raised beds – from the “why” to the “how”.

    Joe’s content can be found at:

    • Podcast: joegardener.com/podcasts, Apple Podcasts, Spotify
    • Videos: joegardener.com/videos, YouTube
    • Blog: joegardener.com/blog
    • Growing a Greener World PBS show: growingagreenerworld.com
    • Lastest Book: The Vegetable Gardening Book

    Joe’s Online Gardening Academy (online classes) can be found at:

    • organicgardeningacademy.com

    Joe’s social media can be found at:

    • Facebook: @joegardener
    • Twitter: @joegardener
    • Instagram: @joegardener
    • Pinterest: @joegardener

    To ask questions for future FPGH shows, submit them at:

    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • email Marlene at marlenetheplantlady@gmail.com

    Find Marlene over on YouTube, Instagram and Facebook

    Flower Power Garden Hour 157: Water-wise gardening & Irrigation, with Don Smith - Water Management Coordinator for the City of Folsom Sep 08, 2022

    Water-wise gardening is more important than ever in the west, and part of this includes irrigating properly. Don Smith, Water Management Coordinator for the City of Folsom, joins me to discuss everything irrigation. He covers which sprinklers are best if you do have a lawn, how to lay out your drip irrigation for optimal coverage, and are “smart” controllers worth it? Plus, he reviews how to convert a PVC system to a drip system, and how to know how long to run your irrigation.

    More water conservation information can be found at:

    • Website: ca.us/government/environmental-water-resources/water/water-conservation

    To ask questions for future shows, submit them at:

    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • email Marlene at marlenetheplantlady@gmail.com

    Find Marlene over on YouTube, Instagram and Facebook

    Flower Power Garden Hour 156: Tomatoes, with Brad Gates of Wild Boar Farms Aug 25, 2022

    Brad Gates, owner of Wild Boar Farms, joins me again to discuss problems gardeners may be encountering with their tomatoes. We also discuss the process that goes into him finding the next new variety… some are by chance, others are by purposeful breeding. Plus, he let’s us in on the new varieties to be released in the near future.

    Brad and Wild Boar Farms can be found at:

    • Instagram: @wildboarfarms
    • Facebook: @wild boar farms
    • YouTube: @brad gates
    • Website: wildboarfarms.com

    To ask questions for future shows, submit them at:

    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • email Marlene at marlenetheplantlady@gmail.com

    Find Marlene over on YouTube, Instagram and Facebook

    Flower Power Garden Hour 155: Fire-wise landscaping, with Master Gardener education specialist, Kevin Marini Aug 23, 2022

    Sadly fire is becoming a way of life in California and the greater west. It’s important to maintain a healthy landscape for wildlife habitat, but there are key tasks homeowners can do to mitigate fire danger. I talk to Master Gardener education specialist, Kevin Marini, all about fire-wise landscaping. Learn about the different zones around your house and how to plant and maintain them. Learn what planting in islands means and the “safest” mulch for your plants.

    Further fire-wise landscape information can be found at:

    • Website: ucanr.org

    To ask questions for future shows, submit them at:

    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • email Marlene at marlenetheplantlady@gmail.com

    Find Marlene over on YouTube, Instagram and Facebook

    Flower Power Garden Hour 154: Pollination, with Tora Rocha of Pollinator Posse Aug 18, 2022

    Over 80% of plants need pollinators to reproduce -- this includes a majority of crops humans eat. To say that pollinators are important is an understatement. The founder and CEO of the non-profit Pollinator Posse, Tora Rocha, joins me to discuss what we can do on our part. She gives tips on how to create a pollinator friendly garden, plants that are both food and host plants, and how to create a Monarch habitat. We learn how many native California bee species there are…. it’s a lot.

    Tora can be found at:

    • Instagram: @pollinatorposse & @toranado12
    • Facebook: @Pollinator Posse
    • Website: pollinatorposse.org
    • Website: xerces.org

    To ask questions for future shows, submit them at:

    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • email Marlene at marlenetheplantlady@gmail.com

    Find Marlene over on YouTube, Instagram and Facebook

    Flower Power Garden Hour 153: Peppers, with Chad Inman of Sky High Scoville Pepper Farm Aug 11, 2022

    5 foot tall pepper plants? Yes, your peppers can get this large. Chad Iman, owner of Sky High Scoville Pepper Farm breaks down step by step how to grow the best most productive peppers possible. He shares his secret recipe for seed starting mix, transplant techniques and how to overwinter your plants. Plus we talk about the beautiful hot peppers he grows.

    Chad and Sky High Scoville Pepper Farm can be found at:

    • Instagram: @skyhighscovillepepperfarm
    • Facebook: @ Sky High Scoville Peppers

    To ask questions for future shows, submit them at:

    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • email Marlene at marlenetheplantlady@gmail.com

    Find Marlene over on YouTube, Instagram and Facebook

    Flower Power Garden Hour 152: Bees, with Blake Dacy and Tina Macuha Aug 08, 2022

    Producing your own honey and having your own bees can be a fun and rewarding backyard hobby. But how do you go about starting -- do you need to buy bees or can you catch your own swarm? I talk to professional beekeeper, Blake Dacy and backyard hobbyist/host of Good Day Sacramento Tina Macuha all about bees. We discuss how bees go about building a hive, what they require, how to treat for mites and everything in between. Plus -- Blake and Tina share their fun swarm collecting stories.

    Blake can be found at:

    • Instagram: @sacramentobeekeeper
    • Facebook: @ BlakeSacramentoBeekeeperDacy
    • Website: sacramentobeekeeper.com

    Tina can be found at:

    • Instagram: @tinamacuha

    To ask questions for future shows, submit them at:

    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • email Marlene at marlenetheplantlady@gmail.com

    Find Marlene over on YouTube, Instagram and Facebook

    Flower Power Garden Hour 151: August To Do & Listener Q&A Aug 06, 2022

    Lots of tasks during the hot summer season, including:

    • Plant cabbage, carrots, beets, celery, kale, onion seeds, potatoes, mustards, chard, collards, leeks
    • Deadhead flowers
    • Hose off whiteflies, sticky traps
    • Clean up old fruit on trees, ground
    • Still time to summer prune fruit trees
    • Order fall bulbs
    • Support melons on the ground or on vines
    • Continue to deep water young, newly planted trees
    • Deadhead, cut back mophead hydrangeas

    A wide variety of listener questions are addressed, including:

    • How to control Leaf Miners on cucumber
    • What type of milkweed for Monarch butterflies
    • Lawn clippings for mulch?
    • How to get rid of green hornworms
    • Yellowing leaves on mandarins & limes
    • Bubbles from the soil while when watering potted plants
    • Pepper plant with black at the base of stems
    • Do sunflowers stunt the growth of surrounding plants

    To ask questions for future shows, submit them at:

    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • email Marlene at marlenetheplantlady@gmail.com

    Find Marlene over on YouTube, Instagram and Facebook

    Flower Power Garden Hour 150: Cut Flowers, with Wyatt Emig Jul 23, 2022

    Who doesn’t love flowers, and they are even better when you can pick and make a bouquet out of them. I talk with the Mendocino Coast Botanical Garden’s horticulturalist, Wyatt Emig, about his process of growing flowers. He shares his must have seed trays, soil conditioning tips and favorite flowers to grow.

    Wyatt can found at:

    Website: gardenbythesea.org

    Instagram: @wyatt.emig

    Instagram: @mendocinocoastbotanicalgardens

    Facebook: @MendocinoCoastBotanicalGardens

    To ask questions for future shows, submit them at:

    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • email Marlene at marlenetheplantlady@gmail.com

    Find Marlene over on YouTube, Instagram and Facebook

    Flower Power Garden Hour 149: Soils, with Robert Pavlis Jul 17, 2022

    Every great garden starts with healthy soil. But what exactly is “healthy” soil, how do you achieve this and what is soil really. Robert Pavlis, author of “Soil Science for Gardeners” and of “Garden Myths” fame joins me once again to talk everything soil. We discuss micronutrients versus macronutrients, can you add sand to clay soils, how to test your soil for texture and a lot more.

    Robert can found at:

    Websites:

    • Gardenfundamentals.com
    • Gardenmyths.com

    Facebook: @gardenfundamentals

    YouTube: Gardenfundamentals1

    To ask questions for future shows, submit them at:

    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • email Marlene at marlenetheplantlady@gmail.com

    Find Marlene over on YouTube, Instagram and Facebook

    Flower Power Garden Hour 148: Trees, with arborist John Lichter Jul 09, 2022

    We all know the importance of trees… oxygen, shade, habitat, food, beauty and more. And we all know they can live centuries beyond us. But they can also have difficulties growing in urban settings. I talk to consulting arborist, John Lichter, on what you can do to ensure that your trees are healthy and vibrant in your lifetime as well as for future generations. We discuss how to properly water both young and established trees, what to look out for in diseased trees and where you can find the best tree selection for your yard.

    John can be found at:

    Website: treeassociates.net

    To ask questions for future shows, submit them at:

    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • email Marlene at marlenetheplantlady@gmail.com

    Find Marlene over on YouTube, Instagram and Facebook

    July To Do List and Listener Tomato Q&A Jul 03, 2022

    July gardening is actually one of the less busy months in terms of number and volume of tasks. There is a lot of maintenance, but no major, backbreaking work.

    We combine the July list on this episode with a deep dive into listener Q&A – with a focus on tomatoes. If you have questions or need advice on tomato growing, this is a must listen.

    To ask questions for future shows, submit them at:

    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • email Marlene at marlenetheplantlady@gmail.com

    Find Marlene over on YouTube, Instagram and Facebook

    Flower Power Garden Hour 146: Peace and Plenty Farm, with Melinda Price Jun 15, 2022

    Melinda Price waited years to fulfill her dream of being a farmer. And once she bought her historic farm in Northern California -- the work was only just beginning. Thinking outside the box, she and her partner Simon decided they would try their hand in saffron... the most expense herb on the market. Fast forward 5 years and Peace and Plenty Farm is a thriving organic oasis and so much more than just saffron.

    Check out Peace and Plenty Farm at the sites below. Also, the farm has a GoFundMe page to help with the goal of restoring a historic barn which lies on the site. They would love to be able to restore it to a safe condition via an old fashioned barn raising. Check out the link below if you would like to help.

    Barn Restoration GoFundMe: gofund.me/dabba524

    Instagram: @peaceandplentyfarmer

    Facebook: peaceplentyfarm

    Website: http://peaceplentyfarm.com

    To ask questions for future shows, submit them at:

    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • email Marlene at marlenetheplantlady@gmail.com

    Find Marlene over on YouTube, Instagram and Facebook

    Flower Power Garden Hour 145: June To Do List Jun 11, 2022

    This episode is the garden To Do list for the month of June. Summer suddenly feels like it is in full swing, with a rapid to transition to HOT weather. Time to get your garden tasks done early in the morning.

    Vegetables to plant:

    • Tomatoes
    • Eggplant
    • Peppers
    • Squash
    • Watermelon
    • Zucchini
    • Corn
    • Beans
    • Cucumbers
    • Melons
    • Okra
    • Pumpkins
    • Watermelon
    • Swiss Chard

    Garden tasks:

    • Shade peppers
    • Pinch off basil flowers, dead head flowers
    • Compost
    • Mulch
    • Deep water trees
    • Remove stakes from trees and re-stake
    • Paint fruit trees
    • Thin fruit trees
    • Monitor for pests, use kaolin clay diatomaceous earth
    • Cage tomatoes, peppers
    • Control weeds so they don’t go to seed
    • Be patient with fruit set….or hand pollinate

    To ask questions for future shows, submit them at:

    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • email Marlene at marlenetheplantlady@gmail.com

    Find Marlene over on YouTube, Instagram and Facebook

    Flower Power Garden Hour 144: California Natives, with Patricia Carpenter and Pat Dressendorfer Jun 04, 2022

    California is a big state with many different climates, so it can be a bit daunting when you hear “plant California natives”. Yes, it’s a great idea to plant natives for native pollinators, birds, insects etc… but how do you know you are doing it correct? Luckily, Patricia Carpenter and Pat Dressendorfer have all the answers. These two lifelong gardeners have just finished a 5 season-- yes, 5 season -- write up for Pacific Horticulture on all things California natives. They talk with me about which are their favorite sun and shade natives, how to water and other tips and tricks.

    Check out Patricia and Pat’s work:

    • Pacific Horticulture
    • California Native Plant Society

    To ask questions for future shows, submit them at:

    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • email Marlene at marlenetheplantlady@gmail.com

    Find Marlene over on YouTube, Instagram and Facebook

    Flower Power Garden Hour 143: Earthworm castings, with Luke Arthur of Simple Grow May 23, 2022

    Every gardener can tell when earthworms have “worked” their soil. The soil is more pliable and everything grows so much better. Why is this the case? Earthworm castings are full of nutrients and microbes which are beneficial for a healthy soil and garden. I talk with Luke Arthur -- founder and CEO of Simple Grow, an organic producer of earthworm castings -- about how beneficial earthworm castings are, what exactly is in them, why it is a safer way of fertilizing and how even your houseplants will benefit.

    Luke and Simple Grow can be found at:

    Website: simplegrow.com

    Instagram: @simplegrowsoil

    Facebook: @simplegrow

    Youtube: Simple Grow – Worm Castings

    To ask questions for future shows, submit them at:

    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • email Marlene at marlenetheplantlady@gmail.com

    Find Marlene over on YouTube, Instagram and Facebook

    Flower Power Garden Hour 142: May To Do List May 12, 2022

    This episode is the garden To Do list for the month of May. It has been unseasonably cool, but nights are not getting TOO cold. Lot’s of planting and garden prep this month.

    Vegetables to plant:

    • Tomatoes
    • Eggplant
    • Peppers
    • Zucchini
    • Corn
    • Beans
    • Cucumbers
    • Melons
    • Okra
    • Pumpkins
    • Watermelon
    • Swiss Chard

    Flowers to plant:

    • Zinnias
    • Cosmos
    • Sunflowers
    • Dahlias

    Garden tasks:

    • Mulch
    • Stake tomatoes
    • Cut flowers off rhubarb
    • Divide/transplant cymbidiums
    • Thin stone fruit
    • Paint fruit tree trunks
    • Prune once flowering plants
    • Remove suckers from roses
    • Hose blast aphids
    • Diatomaceous earth
    • Fertilize citrus

    To ask questions for future shows, submit them at:

    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • email Marlene at marlenetheplantlady@gmail.com

    Find Marlene over on YouTube, Instagram and Facebook

    Flower Power Garden Hour 141: Don Shor, of Redwood Barn Nursery Apr 25, 2022

    Don Shor, owner of Redwood Barn Nursery and overall plant expert, is back again! This time we go through your favorite summer veggies and he gives his tips and tricks. When you should plant tomatoes, peppers, eggplants… his favorite go-to varieties… how you should work your soil and do you really need to prune your tomatoes?

    Don can be found at:

    • Website: com
    • Instagram: redwoodbarnnursery & shor
    • Facebook: Redwood Barn Nursery

    To ask questions for future shows, submit them at:

    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • email Marlene at marlenetheplantlady@gmail.com

    Find Marlene over on YouTube, Instagram and Facebook

    Flower Power Garden Hour 140: April To Do List Apr 10, 2022

    This episode is the garden To Do list for the month of April. The time change has come and gone, so there is plenty of light to work later into the evening. Days are definitely getting warmer, although there are some sporadic cold nights.

    • Planting:
      • Tomatoes – April 15th at the earliest
      • Direct sow corn
      • At the end of April -- Squash, cucumbers, eggplant, beets, radish, carrots, potatoes, sweet potatoes
      • All perennials
      • Direct sow zinnias, sunflowers
      • Summer bulbs, dahlias, gladiolus
    • Fertilize citrus
    • Compost
    • Check irrigation
    • Paint fruit tree trunks
    • Prune camellias, quince, forsythia, etc
    • Smother weeds
    • Monitor for pests

    To ask questions for future shows, submit them at:

    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • email Marlene at marlenetheplantlady@gmail.com

    Find Marlene over on YouTube, Instagram and Facebook

    Flower Power Garden Hour 139: Listener Q&A Apr 04, 2022

    A wide range of topics addressing questions submitted by listeners. Including:

    • How to care for a Dracontium polyphyllum
    • Lantana – pruning advice
    • Tomato seeds – recommendations about growing in small containers
    • Safe edging options for vegetable gardens – metal, bender board, pressure treated, composite
    • Jade – how to help a drooping plant
    • Lime tree – how and what to transplant into

    To ask questions for future shows, submit them at:

    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • email Marlene at marlenetheplantlady@gmail.com

    Find Marlene over on YouTube, Instagram and Facebook

    Flower Power Garden Hour 138: GardenFit, with Madeline de Vries Hooper & Jeff Hughes Mar 19, 2022

    As a lifelong gardener and active person, Madeline de Vries Hooper was surprised when she started to experience aches and pains while gardening. Jeff Hughes, a fitness trainer, was recommended to help. Not only did his training and technique alleviate her aches, but they taught her better gardening habits. Inspired by Jeff’s methods – and her success – the duo

    decided to take the show on the road to teach and inspire gardeners and farmers across the U.S. to get GardenFit. I talk to Madeline and Jeff about the gardens they visited and how they are on a mission to help farmers and gardeners alike.

    GardenFit premieres March 21, 2022 on American Public Television across the U.S., and will also be streaming on PBS.

    • Website: gardenfit.fit
    • Instagram: @getgardenfit
    • Facebook: GardenFit
    • Pinterest: @gardenfit
    • YouTube: GardenFit

    To ask questions for future shows, submit them at:

    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • email Marlene at marlenetheplantlady@gmail.com

    Find Marlene over on YouTube, Instagram and Facebook

    Flower Power Garden Hour 137: March To Do List Mar 11, 2022

    This episode is the garden To Do list for the month of March – still some cold (and hopefully wet) weather left. Days are getting longer and warmer.

    • Summer vegetables – start them inside or greenhouse or direct sow. Tomatoes, peppers, cucumbers, eggplant
    • Direct sow sunflowers & other summer annuals (such as zinnias)
    • Plant:
      • Beets, broccoli, carrots, celery, swiss chard, kale, loose leaf lettuce, radish, potatoes, turnips
      • Perennials
      • Summer blooming bulbs (gladiolus, amaryllis, lilies)
      • Dahlias
    • Preemptively spray for whiteflies – release encarsia
    • Nematodes for soil
    • Prune – citrus, once blooming plants (forsythia, quince, camellias)
    • Check irrigation

    To ask questions for future shows, submit them at:

    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • email Marlene at marlenetheplantlady@gmail.com

    Find Marlene over on YouTube, Instagram and Facebook

    Flower Power Garden Hour 136: From Seed to Spoon gardening app & Park Seed, with Dale and Carrie Spoonemore and Kelly Funk Mar 04, 2022

    Wanting to ensure their children were eating safe, healthy vegetables, Dale and Carrie Spoonemore began to garden back in 2015. Frustrated with having to pick through the internet’s web of information, Dale had an idea to create a one stop garden app… From Seed to Spoon. Fast forward to 2022 and Park Seed, a company that has been on the pulse of gardening since 1868, knew they could take this app to the next level. I speak to Dale, Carrie and Park Seed President and CEO Kelly Funk about the app, how it can help new and experienced gardeners.

    From Seed to Spoon:

    • Website: From Seed to Spoon
    • Instagram: fromseedtospoon
    • YouTube: From Seed to Spoon
    • Facebook: From Seed to Spoon

    Park Seed:

    • Website: Park Seed
    • Instagram: parkseedco

    To ask questions for future shows, submit them at:

    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • email Marlene at marlenetheplantlady@gmail.com

    Find Marlene over on YouTube, Instagram and Facebook

    Flower Power Garden Hour 135: Listener Q&A Feb 16, 2022

    A wide range of topics addressing questions submitted by listeners. Including:

    • Best time to add fish emulsion to outdoor plants
    • Artichoke issues
    • Soil preparation for tomato planting
    • Using fall leaves and grass clippings as weed cover. Should it be composted into the soil?

    To ask questions for future shows, submit them at:

    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • email Marlene at marlenetheplantlady@gmail.com

    Find Marlene over on YouTube, Instagram and Facebook

    Flower Power Garden Hour 134: Tylor Rogers, of Arium Botanicals Feb 13, 2022

    Houseplants can be very rewarding to grow. But like any plant, they require a range of different growing situations -- including light and soil. Tylor Rogers, owner of Arium Botanicals, was nice enough to join me on this latest episode to share his vast knowledge of houseplants. We go over his favorite go-to soil blends for Aroids, Hoyas and more. We discuss how he ensures plants have humidity, what to do with pests and his list of favorite and easiest plants to grow.

    Check out Tylor and his amazing store of both plants & supplies below:

    Website: Arium Botanicals

    Instagram: ariumbotanicals

    TikTok: @arium_botanicals

    To ask questions for future shows, submit them at:

    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • email Marlene at marlenetheplantlady@gmail.com

    Find Marlene over on YouTube, Instagram and Facebook

    Flower Power Garden Hour 133: February To Do List Feb 06, 2022

    This episode is the garden To Do list for the month of February – actually quite a busy month.

    • Fruit trees – spray liquid copper for peach leaf curl before they bloom. Also time to spray dormant oil if you have insects overwintering
    • Prune fruit trees, roses (except one time blooming), grapes, blackberries – ensure you have a few days of dry weather following. Hold off on pruning frost sensitive plants
    • Plant:
      • Broccoli, beets, cabbage, carrots, cauliflower, chard, collards, kale, mustard, peas
      • Can start potatoes & radishes towards end of the month
      • Bare root roses, fruit trees
      • Can start tomatoes & peppers inside
    • Soil amendment: Get organic material in there for spring planting. Compost, manure, beneficial nematodes
    • Cleanup: Weed control (don’t let them go to flower)

    To ask questions for future shows, submit them at:

    • Facebook
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    • email Marlene at marlenetheplantlady@gmail.com

    Find Marlene over on YouTube, Instagram and Facebook

    Flower Power Garden Hour 132: Biochar, with Dr. Deborah Page-Dumroese Jan 27, 2022

    Biochar. You may have heard of it or it may be a new term for some of you. I was doubtful of its claims until I had the pleasure of listening to USDA Senior Soil Scientist Dr. Deborah Page-Dumroese present a talk. She was kind enough to join me on this episode and discuss everything biochar. She discusses her years long research on the use of it for improving forest and farm soils. She then dives into its value and use in home gardens and how you can make your own biochar.

    Debbie and her work can be found at: https://www.fs.fed.us/rmrs/people/ddumroese

    To ask questions for future shows, submit them at:

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    • email Marlene at marlenetheplantlady@gmail.com

    Find Marlene over on YouTube, Instagram and Facebook

    Flower Power Garden Hour 131: Listener Q&A Jan 16, 2022

    A wide range of topics addressing questions submitted by listeners. Including:

    • Broccoli clusters – why are mine loose as opposed to tightly packed
    • Citrus – can they be pruned in winter
    • Asparagus – how to trim
    • Succulents – should they be brought inside during winter
    • Broken limb on a tree – can a damaged tree be pruned during the winter, or is it best to wait until spring
    • Fireplace ash – is there a use for this in the garden

    To ask questions for future shows, submit them at:

    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • email Marlene at marlenetheplantlady@gmail.com

    Find Marlene over on YouTube, Instagram and Facebook

    Flower Power Garden Hour 130: January To Do List Jan 12, 2022

    Here in northern California, it has been a cold and thankfully wet winter. As we are at the season midpoint, here is January’s to do list.

    • Prune roses
    • Spray fruit trees – liquid copper, dormant oil
    • Clean up old fruit
    • Plant bare-root fruit trees, grapes, blueberries, asparagus
    • Hold off on pruning fruit trees
    • Plant: Bok choy, broccoli rabe, loose leaf lettuce, radishes, mustards
    • Order summer vegetable seeds
    • Add beneficial nematodes
    • Compost

    To ask questions for future shows, submit them at:

    • Facebook
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    • email Marlene at marlenetheplantlady@gmail.com

    Find Marlene over on YouTube, Instagram and Facebook

    Flower Power Garden Hour 129: The history of holiday plants , with Matt Mattus Dec 23, 2021

    Have you ever wondered why during the holidays we bring mistletoe inside? What were some of the plants brought inside during Victorian times? In this episode, I talk to horticulturist Matt Mattus about the history of holiday plants and how to care for them. Matt has been gardening since the age of 9 on his family’s historic 1910 Worchester, MA home. An expert in most aspects of gardening, he specializes in South African bulbs and alpine plants. Matt has been featured in Martha Stewart Living and Better Homes & Gardens, and is currently a contributor to Fine Gardening.

    Mat can be found at:

    • Instagram: @matt_mattus
    • Facebook: Growing with Plants
    • Blog: Growing with Plants

    Check out Matt’s highly educational books – links to where they can be found are attached:

    • Mastering the Art of Flower Gardening
    • Mastering the Art of Vegetable Gardening

    To ask questions for future shows, submit them at:

    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • email Marlene at marlenetheplantlady@gmail.com

    Find Marlene over on YouTube, Instagram and Facebook

    Flower Power Garden Hour 128: Listener Q&A Dec 18, 2021

    This is a listener Q&A episode. Questions cover topics including:

    • Cactus – how to remove new growth
    • Fuyu persimmons -- this year’s crop has seeds in the fruit, and in years past has not. Ideas why?
    • Plumeria – should it stay outside or bring inside during the cold weather
    • Poinsettias – they are not turning red, even though they are being kept in relative dark. Is there anything that can help them turn red?
    • Bereavement – how do I keep healthy? There are many different plants on this one

    To ask questions for future shows, submit them at:

    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • email Marlene at marlenetheplantlady@gmail.com

    Find Marlene over on YouTube, Instagram and Facebook

    Flower Power Garden Hour 127: December To Do List Dec 11, 2021

    In this episode, I discuss December garden To-Do tasks. Winter is in full swing, and lots to do.

    • Pest mitigation – aphids, cabbage looper, nematodes
    • Plant bulbs
    • Plant vegetables -- asparagus, bok choy, kale, loose leaf lettuce, mustard, radishes
    • Move succulents out of potential rain
    • Smother weeds
    • Plant bareroots

    To ask questions for future shows, submit them at:

    • Facebook
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    • email Marlene at marlenetheplantlady@gmail.com

    Find Marlene over on YouTube, Instagram and Facebook

    Flower Power Garden Hour 126: Orchids, with Shawn Shumaker Nov 28, 2021

    Orchid grower Shawn Shumaker breaks down all the do’s and dont’s to successfully grow orchids inside your home… including the number one tip to get yours to rebloom. Plus -- is the ice cube watering method good or bad, what planting media should you use and what should be done to control pests. If you are looking to expand your collection, Shawn discusses other species that can be grown inside just as easily as Phalaenopsis.

    You can follow Shawn at:

    • Instagram: @Shawn_shumaker

    To ask questions for future shows, submit them at:

    • Facebook
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    • email Marlene at marlenetheplantlady@gmail.com

    Find Marlene over on YouTube, Instagram and Facebook

    Flower Power Garden Hour 125: Listener Q&A Nov 13, 2021

    Listener Q&A episode. Topics include:

    • New growth on cactus – should it be removed, and if so…how?
    • Hydrangeas – when to cut and how
    • Lemons – why are they cracking?
    • Musa basjoo – recommendations for transitioning into fall/winter
    • Maple tree – recommendations to improve growing conditions

    To ask questions for future shows, submit them at:

    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • email Marlene at marlenetheplantlady@gmail.com

    Find Marlene over on YouTube, Instagram and Facebook

    Flower Power Garden Hour 124: November To Do List Nov 10, 2021

    In this episode, I discuss November garden To-Do tasks. There is actually quite a lot as we transition fully into the colder and wetter months of the year.

    • Continue clean up – pull out dead plants; remove lead, vegetable and fruit debris
    • Plant bulbs – chill tulips or buy Darwin varieties
    • Divide grasses, agapanthus, etc
    • Plant vegetables: Fava beans, bok choy, broccoli, celery, swiss chard, garlic, kale, kohlrabi, leaf lettuce, mustard, onions, radish, shallot, spinach
    • Plant cover crops: Fava beans, red clover
    • Move succulents out of potential rain
    • Bring plumerias inside
    • Plants non-frost sensitive perennials
    • Plant sweet peas (plants or seeds)
    • Plant CA native seeds
    • Turn off irrigation
    • Controls winter weeds (like oxalis)

    To ask questions for future shows, submit them at:

    • Facebook
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    • email Marlene at marlenetheplantlady@gmail.com

    Find Marlene over on YouTube, Instagram and Facebook

    Flower Power Garden Hour 123: Growing Succulents, with Gianluca Bacci, Part 2 Oct 31, 2021

    Want to grow your succulents to perfection? Want to venture into growing more difficult ones? Or how about just not wanting to kill them? Then this episode is for you. Gianluca Bacci -- expert succulent grower -- joins me to discuss soils, watering, Lithops, Welwitschia and more.

    Gianluca can be followed at:

    Instagram: @marinsect_gianluca

    To ask questions for future shows, submit them at:

    • Facebook
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    • email Marlene at marlenetheplantlady@gmail.com

    Find Marlene over on YouTube, Instagram and Facebook

    Flower Power Garden Hour 122: Growing Succulents, with Gianluca Bacci, Part 1 Oct 31, 2021

    Want to grow your succulents to perfection? Want to venture into growing more difficult ones? Or how about just not wanting to kill them? Then this episode is for you. Gianluca Bacci -- expert succulent grower -- joins me to discuss soils, watering, Lithops, Welwitschia and more.

    Gianluca can be followed at:

    Instagram: @marinsect_gianluca

    To ask questions for future shows, submit them at:

    • Facebook
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    • email Marlene at marlenetheplantlady@gmail.com

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    Flower Power Garden Hour 121: Dr. Cassandra Quave, The Plant Hunter: A Scientist’s Quest for Nature’s Next Medicines Oct 18, 2021

    Dr. Cassandra Quave is a botanist extraordinaire. I was fortunate to chat about her early life, career path, and her new book “The Plant Hunter: A Scientist’s Quest for Nature’s Next Medicines.”

    Book Description:

    In The Plant Hunter, Dr. Quave weaves together science, botany, and memoir to tell us the extraordinary story of her own journey. Traveling by canoe, ATV, mule, airboat, and on foot, she has conducted field research in the flooded forests of the remote Amazon, the murky swamps of southern Florida, the rolling hills of central Italy, isolated mountaintops in Albania and Kosovo, and volcanic isles arising out of the Mediterranean — all in search of natural compounds, long-known to traditional healers, that could help save us all from the looming crisis of untreatable superbugs. And as a person born with multiple congenital defects of her skeletal system, she's done it all with just one leg. Filled with grit, tragedy, triumph, awe, and scientific discovery, her story illuminates how the path forward for medical discovery may be found in nature's oldest remedies.

    “The Plant Hunter: A Scientist’s Quest for Nature’s Next Medicines” can be found at penguinrandomhouse.com

    Cassandra can be followed at:

    Instagram: @quavesthnobot

    Twitter: @QuaveEthnobot

    Podcast: foodiepharmacology.podbean.com

    Website: cassandraquave.com

    To ask questions for future shows, submit them at:

    • Facebook
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    • email Marlene at marlenetheplantlady@gmail.com

    Find Marlene over on YouTube, Instagram and Facebook

    Flower Power Garden Hour 120: October To Do List Oct 09, 2021

    In this episode, I discuss October garden To-Do tasks. There is a big variety with a lot on the list, including:

    • Continue clean up – pull out dead plants; remove lead, vegetable and fruit debris
    • Use soil sulfur to drop pH
    • Prune non-frost sensitive plants
    • Cover succulents if chance of rain
    • Add beneficial nematodes
    • Plant perennials
    • Buy bulbs…chill tulips 8-12 weeks
    • Plant vegetables – fava beans, beets, bok choy, celery, swiss chard, collards, garlic, kale, kohlrabi, lettuce, mustards, peas, radishes, shallots, turnips
    • Cover crops, including fava beans, clover
    • Consider planting wildflower seeds – CA natives… clarkia, poppies
    • Collect seeds off prior year plants

    To ask questions for future shows, submit them at:

    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • email Marlene at marlenetheplantlady@gmail.com

    Find Marlene over on YouTube, Instagram and Facebook

    Flower Power Garden Hour 119: ARBICO Organics, with Sheri Herrera de Frey Sep 30, 2021

    The backbone of any organic garden are hard working beneficial/parasitic insects. I talk with founder of ARBICO-Organics, Sheri Herrera de Frey, about which ones are a must for gardeners to incorporate. We discuss controls for whiteflies, Japanese and cucumber beetles, gnats, borers and so many more. Plus -- learn why releasing beneficial nematodes should be on your garden to do list.

    ARBICO-Organics can be found on-line below:

    Website: arbico-organics.com

    Facebook

    Instagram

    To ask questions for future shows, submit them at:

    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • email Marlene at marlenetheplantlady@gmail.com

    Find Marlene over on YouTube, Instagram and Facebook

    Flower Power Garden Hour 118: Listener Q&A Sep 27, 2021

    Listener Q&A episode. Topics include:

    • Propagating a String of Pearls
    • Basil infested with caterpillars
    • Mandarin bush – will it produce late in the season
    • Azalea – how to care for
    • Overwintering eggplants & peppers – when to prepare
    • Yesterday, Today & Tomorrow – best time of year & method to transplant

    To ask questions for future shows, submit them at:

    • Facebook
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    • email Marlene at marlenetheplantlady@gmail.com

    Find Marlene over on YouTube, Instagram and Facebook

    Flower Power Garden Hour 117: September To Do List Sep 15, 2021

    Avocados, blueberries and Hydrangeas - 3 plants I get a lot of questions about. In some parts of the world they grow like weeds, but in many locations they can be tricky. I talk to Bruce Ritter -- co-founder of the Sacramento Botanical Garden -- about growing these, as well as how the plan to build a world class garden in Sacramento is going.

    To ask questions for future shows, submit them at:

    • Facebook
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    • email Marlene at marlenetheplantlady@gmail.com

    Find Marlene over on YouTube, Instagram and Facebook

    Flower Power Garden Hour 116: September To Do List Sep 11, 2021

    In this episode, I discuss September garden To-Do tasks. There is a big variety with a lot on the list, including:

    • Clean up – remove certain vegetables. There are certain ones to leave (peppers, eggplants, etc) as cool temperatures can help them.
    • Plant Fall/Winter vegetables, including brussel sprouts, cauliflower, broccoli, celery, cabbage, kales, swiss chard
    • Harvest gourds such as pumpkins and squash
    • Plan and purchase bulbs that will be planted in Fall, bloom in Spring
    • Add beneficial nematodes
    • Cut back certain plants, such as pruning hydrangeas
    • Near the end of September -- start dividing irises, planting perennials and natives

    To ask questions for future shows, submit them at:

    • Facebook
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    • email Marlene at marlenetheplantlady@gmail.com

    Find Marlene over on YouTube, Instagram and Facebook

    Flower Power Garden Hour 115: Sunset Lake CBD Sep 04, 2021

    What does it take to grow healthy CBD with organic regenerative practices? I talk to founder of Sunset Lake CBD, Sam Bellavance and farmer/grower Caitlin Silber to hear about how they produce the most beautiful plants in Vermont. We discuss how they feed the soil, prevent most pest and disease problems and what they use to treat powdery mildew. Plus -- we talk about all their wonderful products and uses.

    Sunset Lake CBD can be found at:

    • Website: com
    • Instagram: sunsetlakecbd
    • Facebook: Sunset Lake CBD
    • LinkedIn: Sunset Lake CBD

    To ask questions for future shows, submit them at:

    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • email Marlene at marlenetheplantlady@gmail.com

    Find Marlene over on YouTube, Instagram and Facebook

    Flower Power Garden Hour 114: Treating and preventing weeds Aug 28, 2021

    A plant out of place… this is a universal definition of a weed. Weeds are many gardeners' biggest nemesis. If left unchecked they can cause numerous issues in a garden. I breakdown how weeds get to your garden, how to control them and the single most important task to prevent an inundation.

    Flower Power Garden Hour 113: Listener Q&A Aug 17, 2021

    Grab bag listener Q&A episode – fruit tree pruning, orchids, hibiscus…..topics include:

    • Old wood chippings – what can I use for?
    • Orchids – how to treat ant infestation
    • Hibiscus – part is green, part is brown….diagnosis?
    • Spotted spurge – how to mitigate this weed
    • Peach tree – how to prune to prevent branch breakage

    To ask questions for future shows, submit them at:

    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • email Marlene at marlenetheplantlady@gmail.com

    Find Marlene over on YouTube, Instagram and Facebook

    Flower Power Garden Hour 112: August To Do List Aug 15, 2021

    The dog days of summer are upon us, and heat and smoke from wildfires is everyday life. In this episode, I discuss this as well as all August to-do tasks, which compared to other months are not as daunting. These include your fall vegetable planning/prep, summer fruit tree pruning, and some beginning thoughts on water issues.

    To ask questions for future shows, submit them at:

    • Facebook
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    • email Marlene at marlenetheplantlady@gmail.com

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    Flower Power Garden Hour 111: Don Shor, owner of Redwood Barn Nursery Aug 01, 2021

    Doing a bit of summer fruit tree care can go a long way for a plentiful, healthy crop the following year. I talk to Don Shor, owner of Redwood Barn nursery, about the benefits of summer pruning, what you should be fertilizing with, summer pests, how to tell if you watering enough and many more helpful tips. Don and Redwood Barn can be found at:

    Website: redwoodbarn.com

    Instagram: redwoodbarnnursery & don.shor

    Facebook: Redwood Barn Nursery

    To ask questions for future shows, submit them at:

    • Facebook
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    • email Marlene at marlenetheplantlady@gmail.com

    Find Marlene over on YouTube, Instagram and Facebook

    Flower Power Garden Hour 110: Listener Q&A Jul 27, 2021

    Grab bag listener Q&A episode – tree issues and recommendations, vegetables, pests….

    • Jade – why is it turning red
    • Thrips – how to mitigate
    • Cucumbers – why very pale in color
    • Limbs dropping on a tree that seems healthy
    • Maple tree – roots are starting to show at the base….should they be covered with soil

    To ask questions for future shows, submit them at:

    • Facebook
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    • email Marlene at marlenetheplantlady@gmail.com

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    Flower Power Garden Hour 109: Sonya Harris, Bullock Garden Project Jul 18, 2021

    Sonya Harris is a lifetime educator. Working with kids with special needs she became aware of the importance of alternative learning and began her journey creating a school garden. Sonya’s energy and dedication quickly morphed into a bigger mission -- eventually leading to the nonprofit Bullock Garden Project. The mission of the organization is stated below:

    We are dedicated to empowering individuals, groups, and organizations, focusing on people within marginalized communities, in creating sustainable agriculture and incorporating garden education through building community sustainability awareness; partnering with community and green industry organizations; strengthening social/emotional development and well-being and nurturing independence through experiential learning and garden-based education; and inspiring future leaders to support green initiatives.

    Sonya and the Bullock Garden Project can be found at the following:

    • Website: Bullockgardenproject.org
    • Facebook: BullockGardenProject
    • Instagram: bullockgarden
    • YouTube: BullockGardenProject

    To find Marlene on social media or ask questions for future shows, submit them at:

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    • email Marlene at marlenetheplantlady@gmail.com
    Flower Power Garden Hour 108: July To Do List Jul 10, 2021

    Summer is in full swing, and oppressive heat is dominating the western US. Even with that, believe it or not this is the time of year I start thinking about my plan for winter vegetables. In this episode, I discuss this as well as all other July garden to-do tasks including…vegetables to plant, summer fruit tree pruning, pruning hydrangeas, and lavender and blueberry care.

    To find Marlene on social media or ask questions for future shows, submit them at:

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    • email Marlene at marlenetheplantlady@gmail.com
    Flower Power Garden Hour 107: Listener Q&A Jun 30, 2021

    Grab bag listener Q&A episode – vegetables, flowers, trees, pests….

    • Butternut squash identification
    • Japanese Maple – what are the white spots on leaves?
    • Hydrangea -- flowers dying prematurely
    • Lavender – why are leaves turning yellow?
    • Tomatoes – what are the small, red insects and webbing?
    • Magnolia tree – limbs have been dying for a few years. Anything that can be done?

    To ask questions for future shows, submit them at:

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    • email Marlene at marlenetheplantlady@gmail.com

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    Flower Power Garden Hour 106: Jim McKinley of EB Stone Organics Jun 21, 2021

    Soils are key to a healthy garden, but it can be a bit confusing when knowing what to buy or add. Jim McKinley of EB Stone Organics joins me to discuss ways to improve your soil health. Is compost always a good thing? What is a soilless media? What is better… chicken or steer manure and many more questions/topics are discussed.

    • Website: org
    • Facebook: EBStoneOrganics
    • Instagram: ebstone_organics
    • YouTube: EB Stone Organics

    To find Marlene on social media or ask questions for future shows, submit them at:

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    • email Marlene at marlenetheplantlady@gmail.com
    Flower Power Garden Hour 105: June To Do List Jun 10, 2021

    The summer heat is here – or it’s at least starting. With that, vegetables are in full swing – as are an assortment of pests. I discuss these as well as all other June garden to-do tasks

    To find Marlene on social media or ask questions for future shows, submit them at:

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    • email Marlene at marlenetheplantlady@gmail.com
    Flower Power Garden Hour 104: Natasha McCrary of 1818 Farms Jun 07, 2021

    What started out as a passing interest for Natasha McCrary’s son has turned into a full fledged farm with the primary mission of promoting and saving baby doll sheep. As the years progressed, the farm has now become a source of cut flowers, essential oil products, farm events and more. I talk to Natasha about how she goes about growing cut flowers in her home state of Alabama. For anyone wanting to venture into the business of cut flowers or if you want to grow your own, she is a wealth of knowledge… from must have varieties, when to plant, when to harvest and more. And of course we learn what baby doll sheep are!

    You can find 1818 Farms at the locations below:

    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • YouTube
    • Website

    To ask questions for future shows, submit them at:

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    • email Marlene at marlenetheplantlady@gmail.com

    Find Marlene over on YouTube, Instagram and Facebook

    Flower Power Garden Hour 103: David Wooten, A Quarter Acre & No Mule May 31, 2021

    Gardening is a continuous journey of learning, experimenting and cultivating. It doesn’t matter how long you have been gardening or how big your garden is, we can all learn from anyone who has put a trowel in the ground. In this episode I talk to photographer David Art about his journey into gardening. As a youth he watched his grandma garden and grow grapes in a small plot in New Jersey. Today he has taken what he soaked in by watching her as well as the experience of his southern heritage to create his own urban garden.

    Instagram: A Quarter Acre & No Mule

    Facebook: A Quarter Acre & No Mule

    Website: Realdavidart

    To find Marlene on social media or ask questions for future shows, submit them at:

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    • email Marlene at marlenetheplantlady@gmail.com
    Flower Power Garden Hour 102: DIY Raised Beds May 26, 2021

    While growing in raised garden beds is not necessary, it can make gardening easier and be a solution to certain issues (can you say gophers!) Joe and I go over how we built my new ones and ones I’ve used in the past. We cover:

    • What materials work the best
    • Type of soil to fill them with
    • What sizes work best
    • How to barricade against gophers and more

    To find Marlene on social media or ask questions for future shows, submit them at:

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    • email Marlene at marlenetheplantlady@gmail.com
    Flower Power Garden Hour 101: All about corn, with Farmer Fred Hoffman May 20, 2021

    Many of us have memories of shucking corn on a warm summer evening, but it's even better if that corn is grown in your own garden. I talk to Farmer Fred Hoffman of the Garden Basics with Farmer Fred podcast -- he discusses everything you need to know to grow your own sweet corn and popcorn. As a former popcorn farmer, Fred dives into the primary pests and diseases, how to tell when corn is ripe and the best varieties.

    Find Farmer Fred at the locations below:

    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Podcast: Garden Basics with Farmer Fred
    • Podcast: Green Acres Garden Podcast with Farmer Fred
    • Website: farmerfred.com

    To find Marlene on social media or ask questions for future shows, submit them at:

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    • YouTube
    • email Marlene at marlenetheplantlady@gmail.com
    Flower Power Garden Hour 100: Common spring garden pests and diseases May 16, 2021

    Spring is a time of growth in the garden ... but that can also mean proliferation of pests and diseases. In this mini-episode, I address a few of the most common problems and how to counteract them... peach leaf curl, powdery mildew, aphids and more.

    To find Marlene on social media or ask questions for future shows, submit them at:

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    • email Marlene at marlenetheplantlady@gmail.com
    Flower Power Garden Hour 99: May To Do List May 06, 2021

    Spring is in full swing. In Zone 9 all summer veggies can be planted, perennials should go in the ground before the heat comes and summer bulbs should be planted. I discuss these as well as all other May garden to-do tasks

    To find Marlene on social media or ask questions for future shows, submit them at:

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    • email Marlene at marlenetheplantlady@gmail.com
    Flower Power Garden Hour 98: World Carnivorous Plant Day (May 5th), with Kenny Coogan and Carson Drexler May 02, 2021

    May 5th is World Carnivorous Plant Day! I’m joined by carnivorous plant experts Kenny Coogan and Carson Drexler to discuss the online events people can take part in, including talks led by carnivorous plant experts from around the world. And of course -- Carson and Kenny discuss all the tips for growing carnivorous plants. Check out the links below, including ones to Carson’s online Sarracenia nursery and Kenny’s upcoming book.

    Carson Trexler:

    • Instagram: Americanpitcherplant
    • Facebook: American Pitcher Plant
    • Website: Americanpitcherplant.com

    Kenny Coogan:

    • Facebook: Critter Companions
    • Website: Kennycoogan.com

    World Carnivorous Plant Day:

    • Website: International Carnivorous Plant Society
    • Merchandise: World Carnivorous Plant Day merch
    • Facebook: International Carnivorous Plant Society
    • Instagram: International Carnivorous Plant Society

    To find Marlene on social media or ask questions for future shows, submit them at:

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    • email Marlene at marlenetheplantlady@gmail.com
    Flower Power Garden Hour 97: Permaculture, with Greg Peterson of The Urban Farm Apr 22, 2021

    Permaculture. It is a word that most gardeners have heard but what is it really? I talk to Greg Peterson, host of the very popular Urban Farm Podcast, who has been practicing permaculture for over 30 years. Whether you are growing vegetables or ornamentals, permaculture is a philosophy of gardening that encompasses the entire system of nature around you. Greg details the steps to implement permaculture best practices in your garden to create a much more balanced and healthier garden (ie less work for you!). Greg can be found at:

    • Website: urbanfarm.org
    • Instagram: urbanfarmu
    • Facebook: TheUrbanFarm
    • Twitter: TheUrbanFarm

    To ask questions for future shows, submit them at:

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    • email Marlene at marlenetheplantlady@gmail.com

    Find Marlene over on YouTube, Instagram and Facebook

    Flower Power Garden Hour 96: April To Do List Apr 11, 2021

    Spring is in full swing and there is a lot to do in the garden. I’ll address which veggies you can plant now and which ones you should hold off on for a bit longer. I’ll also discuss peach leaf curl, weeds, perennial planting and discuss my annoyance with finding a perfect weed eater.

    To ask questions for future shows, submit them at:

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    • email Marlene at marlenetheplantlady@gmail.com

    Find Marlene over on YouTube, Instagram and Facebook

    Flower Power Garden Hour 95: Mendocino Coast Botanical Gardens Apr 03, 2021

    Located along the bluffs of Mendocino is a botanical gem…the Mendocino Coast Botanical Gardens. I speak to horticulturalists Jim and Jaime about a few of the stand-out plants the garden is known for -- Rhododendrons and Camellias. Jaime discusses the history of the gardens and the overall growing techniques of the plants. Former Rhododendron nursery owner Jim shares his years of growing expertise propagating and growing Rhododendrons.

    The Mendocino Coast Botanical Gardens can be found on social media at:

    Instagram: @mendocinocoastbotanicalgardens

    Facebook: Mendocino Coast Botanical Gardens

    Website: gardenbythesea.org

    To ask questions for future shows, submit them at:

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    Flower Power Garden Hour 94: Jan Johnsen – Landscape Designer & Author Mar 24, 2021

    Award winning landscape designer Jan Johnsen has been creating magical landscapes for years. She has taken her vast knowledge/eye for design and has written an educational book entitled ‘Floratopia’. I talk to Jan about which flowers are fail-proof in containers, how to use texture/color and her years of designing all around the world. Check out her new book as well as others she has written -- ‘Floratopia’, ‘Gardentopia’, ‘The Spirit of Stone’, and ‘Heaven is a Garden’. She can be found on social media at the following places:

    Website: Johnsenlandscapes.com

    Instagram: @johnsendesign

    Facebook: serenityinthegardenblog

    Facebook: heavenisagarden

    Jan’s newest book, ‘Floratopia’, can be found here.

    To find Marlene on social media or ask questions for future shows, submit them at:

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    • email Marlene at marlenetheplantlady@gmail.com
    Flower Power Garden Hour 93: March To Do List Mar 07, 2021

    Spring has sprung…well at least in zone 9 of California. Here is my garden list of tasks to be done or continued in March -- including planting potatoes, summer blooming bulbs and sunflower seeds (along with other annuals). I discus which veggies can be planted and which ones to hold off for a bit. Additionally some pruning tips are provided…which plants must be pruned this time of year and a discussion if it’s ok to still prune your blooming stone fruits.

    To ask questions for future shows, submit them at:

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    Flower Power Garden Hour 92: Byron Martin of Logee’s Feb 28, 2021

    Houseplants are very “in” right now and Logee’s knows houseplants. They have been around since the first houseplant craze of the Victorian Era! But in addition to houseplants, they have a marvelous diverse selection of all sorts of plants…edibles, ornamentals and unique varieties of all kinds. I talk to third generation owner Byron Martin about the history of Logee’s and of course all the plants they propagate and sell.

    Byron and Logee’s can be found at:

    Instagram: @logeesplants

    Website: logees.com

    Facebook: logeestropicalplants

    Twitter: @logees

    YouTube: logeesplants

    To ask questions for future shows, submit them at:

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    • email Marlene at marlenetheplantlady@gmail.com

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    Flower Power Garden Hour 91: Mandarins, with Kelly Krause Feb 17, 2021

    For over 125 years, Placer County in California has been producing delicious mandarins that are shipped all over the country. Nine years ago, Kelly Krause got a crash course in growing these tasty fruits when her family bought an established orchard. I sit down and talk with Kelly all about growing Mandarins including when and how to prune, pests and diseases and how they have to harvest to prevent bruising.

    To find Marlene on social media or ask questions for future shows, submit them at:

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    • email Marlene at marlenetheplantlady@gmail.com
    Flower Power Garden Hour 90: February To Do List Feb 11, 2021

    This continues my series of what garden tasks should be on your to-do list for each month. Here I cover the cold and wet February. Tasks include:

    • Pruning roses
    • Pruning fruit trees
    • Spraying fruit trees/roses
    • Clean up
    • Plant more winter veggies
    • Start veggie seeds inside

    To ask questions for future shows, submit them at:

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    Flower Power Garden Hour 89: Bare-root fruit trees, with Farmer Fred Hoffman Feb 03, 2021

    There are numerous reasons to plant bare-root fruit trees… greater selection, price and ease of planting. I discuss with Fred Hoffman, host of Garden Basics with Farmer Fred, on all you need to know about selecting, planting and steps to get your tree on its way to producing bumper crops. What are chill hours vs chill units? Why do you paint the tree trunks? How do you keep your fruit tree to a manageable size? And my favorite… the story on how fruit tree trunks began being painted.

    To find Marlene on social media or ask questions for future shows, submit them at:

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    • email Marlene at marlenetheplantlady@gmail.com
    Flower Power Garden Hour 88: Listener Q&A Jan 31, 2021

    Grab bag listener Q&A episode – some very detailed questions this time, so take notes and put your thinking hat on.

    • Azaleas – not doing so well, how to make grow better?
    • Blueberry bushes – having difficult time growing, need to move them, water issues
    • Seeds – require air circulation for storage?
    • Miracle berry – leaves turning brown
    • Redwoods – foliage turning brown/orange

    To ask questions for future shows, submit them at:

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    • email Marlene at marlenetheplantlady@gmail.com

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    Flower Power Garden Hour 87: Building healthy soil, with Melinda Cordell Jan 22, 2021

    Focus on your soil and your garden will thank you. I talk to ‘Stay Grounded: Soil Building for Sustainable Gardens’ author Melinda Cordell about the steps to a healthy soil. How exactly do earthworms help your soil? Can you really compost drywall and levi jeans? These are just some of the topics we touch upon.

    To find Marlene on social media or ask questions for future shows, submit them at:

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    • email Marlene at marlenetheplantlady@gmail.com
    Flower Power Garden Hour 86: January To Do List Jan 13, 2021

    This continues my series of what garden tasks should be on your to-do list for each month. Here I cover the chilly and (sometimes) wet month of January.

    • Pruning – fruit trees (except citrus), ornamentals, roses
    • Plant bareroot
    • Spray liquid copper
    • Vegetables – radishes, loose leaf lettuce, fava beans
    • Weed control
    • Buy seeds for spring

    To find Marlene on social media or ask questions for future shows, submit them at:

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    • email Marlene at marlenetheplantlady@gmail.com
    Flower Power Garden Hour 85: Listener Q&A Dec 24, 2020

    Listener Q&A episode -- Marlene answers listener submitted questions this week. Topics include:

    • Roses: Propagate from cut flowers?
    • Egg shells in soil?
    • Christmas cactus: Care and transplanting
    • Boston fern: How best to thin out foliage
    • Crickets/Frogs: How to promote them staying in your garden
    • Staghorn fern: Able to thrive in Northern California?

    To find Marlene on social media or ask questions for future shows, submit them at:

    • Facebook
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    • YouTube
    • email Marlene at marlenetheplantlady@gmail.com
    Flower Power Garden Hour 84: Dahlias, with Kristine Albrecht Dec 20, 2020

    Dahlias can be one of the most stunning and rewarding flowers to grow… AND they are not as mysterious and difficult as a lot of gardeners believe they are. I talk to author and expert Dahlia grower Kristine Albrecht of Santa Cruz Dahlias, and we dive into how to grow Dahlias successfully in your garden. We touch on propagation and her passion for breeding them, which she discusses in her new book ‘Dahlia Breeding’.

    Instagram: @santacruzdahlias

    YouTube: kristinealbrecht

    Websites:

    • SantaCruzdahlias.com
    • Dahliaaddict.com

    To find Marlene on social media or ask questions for future shows, submit them at:

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    • email Marlene at marlenetheplantlady@gmail.com
    Flower Power Garden Hour 83: December To Do List Dec 10, 2020

    This continues my series of what garden tasks should be on your to-do list for each month. Here I cover the cold and blustery month of December.

    • Spray peaches/nectarines with liquid copper
    • Apply horticultural oil for overwintering pests
    • Plant frost resistance perennials
    • Chard. Kale, fava beans, radishes – all can still be planted
    • Clean up plant debris, especially under diseased or pest infected plants
    • Be prepared for frost with cotton sheets or frost blankets

    To find Marlene on social media or ask questions for future shows, submit them at:

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    • email Marlene at marlenetheplantlady@gmail.com
    Flower Power Garden Hour 82: Garden Myths, with Robert Pavlis Nov 30, 2020

    Epsom salts, hydrogen peroxide, calcium sprays… these are just some of the topics I cover with Robert Pavlis, author of the popular book series Garden Myths 1 and 2. Robert has made it his mission to bust these myths and help gardeners decipher the science behind each one. We talk about the most common myths and the ones that drive him the craziest. Listen in, and check out his amazing gardenmyths.com blog along with gardenfundamentals.com. All of his books (his newest being Soil Science for Gardeners: Working with Nature to Build Soil Health) can be found on Amazon (links below) or other book outlets.

    Books:

    • Soil Science for Gardeners
    • Garden Myths: Book 1
    • Garden Myths: Book 2

    Facebook: Garden Fundamentals

    YouTube: Garden Fundamentals

    Blogs:

    • gardenfundamentals.com
    • gardenmyths.com
    Flower Power Garden Hour 81: Listener Q&A...cold season prep Nov 21, 2020

    Listener Q&A episode -- Marlene answers listener submitted questions this week. Topics include:

    • Holly bush: How can I propagate it?
    • Succulents: Need to move indoors for the winter?
    • Tuberose: When to stop watering and move inside?
    • Nectarine: Liquid copper for peach leaf curl – what to ask for at the nursery?
    • Rust: Has had rust problem for 5 years – annually attacks dahlias & peonies. How to combat?
    • Papaya: Advice of how to take care of? Currently in a pot

    To ask questions for future shows, submit them at:

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    • email Marlene at marlenetheplantlady@gmail.com

    Find Marlene over on YouTube, Instagram and Facebook

    Flower Power Garden Hour 80: Farouche Peppers Nov 11, 2020

    Eight foot tall peppers? Yep -- this is how Jeremy from Farouche Peppers grows his amazingly beautiful peppers. Not only does he breed gorgeous, tasty peppers -- but he knows how to grow for production. Learn how his sustainable, organic approach arose from his need to feed the soil on a budget. I talk to Jeremy about what it takes to breed peppers, what his ultimate pepper goal is and what his tips are for growing for a large bounty. Definitely follow Jeremy’s Instagram for incredible peppers images – out of this world! And you can buy these unequaled, unique peppers on his Etsy page. With names like these, you can't go wrong: Castrophany, Peach Scorpion, 7 Pot Panther, Pockmark Peach, Ghost hybrids, Sugar Rush, Dark Olive Nagabrain, Pink Tiger, Pink Submarine, Carolina Reaper, Ghor-Pion habanero, Chihuacle Negro, 7 Pot Ghost, Peach Gum Tiger, Yellow Submarine, BubbleGum Nagabrain, Purple Tiger....

    Instagram: farouchepeppers

    Etsy: Farouche

    To ask questions for future shows, submit them at:

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    • email Marlene at marlenetheplantlady@gmail.com

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    Flower Power Garden Hour 79: November To-Do List Nov 07, 2020

    Every month has certain things that need to be done to keep your garden vibrant and prepare it for future seasons. I love lists – on this episode I cover my list for what to do in November, including:

    • Plant vegetables -- fava beans, bok choy, swiss chard, garlic, lettuce, onion sets, radish, spinach
    • Cover crops -- fava beans, vetch, clover
    • Clean up plant debris
    • Mulch
    • Spray Liquid Copper for Peach Leaf Curl
    • Plant bulbs
    • Prep bulbs for forcing paperwhites… dark cool room two weeks or until roots
    • Overwintering peppers
    • Sow wildflower seeds
    • Divide plants such as Iris, grasses, daylilies

    To ask questions for future shows, submit them at:

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    • email Marlene at marlenetheplantlady@gmail.com

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    Flower Power Garden Hour 78: Soil Amendments – how to figure out what to buy Oct 30, 2020

    Something that is always confusing is the massive number of soil amendment options found at nurseries. They have a multitude of similar names, and it is very hard to know which is appropriate for what you are doing. This episode is a deep dive on how to take the confusion out of the marketing language behind these products, and guide you what to look for. I categorize the amendments in these buckets:

    • Top Soil
    • 50/50 Mix
    • Compost and Humus
    • Planting Mix, Soil Conditioner, Garden Soil, Garden Booster
    • Chicken/Steer Manure

    To ask questions for future shows, submit them at:

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    • email Marlene at marlenetheplantlady@gmail.com

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    Flower Power Garden Hour: Giant Pumpkins, with Brian Myers Oct 27, 2020

    Ever wonder how the heck a 2,000 pound pumpkin is grown? Even if you don’t want to grow a 2,000 pounder -- but one slightly smaller -- Brian Myers from California Pumpkin Growers goes through the steps to get you the Jack O’ Lantern of your dreams. Our conversation starts with the history of pumpkin weigh offs and the heaviest pumpkin ever recorded. We then go into growing techniques focusing in first on choosing the correct seed and seed genetics followed by very important growing techniques. Listen in to be prepared for next year’s Halloween season.

    To ask questions for future shows, submit them at:

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    • email Marlene at marlenetheplantlady@gmail.com

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    Flower Power Garden Hour 76: Katie Vaz, author of My Life In Plants Oct 17, 2020

    A single scent of a blossom may evoke past experiences, as plants have been present in pivotal moments in many people’s lives. I sit down with illustrator and writer Katie Vaz and talk about her book My Life in Plants: Flowers I’ve Loved, Herbs I’ve Grown and Houseplants I’ve Killed on The Way to Finding Myself . This funny, poignant, feel good book details all the plants that have been there in Katie’s life from the death of her father, to breakups, to feel good moments. This is a book we can all relate to. Our discussion covers a multitude of topics, as we talk about plants safe for cats and why it may not be best to buy plants over cut flowers for funerals.

    Katie and her book can be found below at:

    Amazon: My Life in Plants

    Etsy: katievaz

    Instagram: katiemarievaz

    website: katievaz.com

    To ask questions for future shows, submit them at:

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    • email Marlene at marlenetheplantlady@gmail.com

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    Flower Power Garden Hour 75: Listener Q&A, Winter vegetable garden focus Oct 04, 2020

    Listener Q&A episode, with a big focus on winter vegetable gardens. If you are planning your winter planting, this is a great primer episode for you. Vegetables discussed range from broccoli, kale, lettuce, beans, carrots, radishes, onions, peas, beets and more. Topics include:

    • What winter vegetables can I plant now?
    • Is there anything different I can do to the soil for winter planting?
    • Why are my Japanese Maple leaves crispy?
    • Do I leave the foliage on my Irises or should I cut them off?

    To ask questions for future shows, submit them at:

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    • email Marlene at marlenetheplantlady@gmail.com

    Find Marlene over on YouTube, Instagram and Facebook

    Flower Power Garden Hour 74: Fungi, with Dr Gordon Walker Sep 20, 2020

    Fascinated by Fungus? Then you will love Dr. Gordon Walker… the “Fun-Guy” behind the popular Instagram feed “Fascinated by Fungi”. Gordon and I talk about the amazing world of fungi including stinkhorns, dog vomit fungus and the complexity of fungi in general. He also gives helpful tips on how to eradicate fungi in your yard and reasons why you just might not want to do so.

    Gordon can be found on Instagram, YouTube, Twitter, Facebook, Pinterest and TikTok by searching @FascinatedbyFungi

    Website: Fascinatedbyfungi.com

    To ask questions for future shows, submit them at:

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    • email Marlene at marlenetheplantlady@gmail.com

    Find Marlene over on YouTube, Instagram and Facebook

    Flower Power Garden Hour 73: Listener Q&A Aug 30, 2020

    Listener Q&A episode -- Marlene answers listener submitted questions this week. Topics include:

    • Peppers: Have erratic lines on the leaves….what are they, how to treat
    • Nutsedge and crab grass: How to fight these weeds
    • Venus Fly Trap: Not growing well – recommendations?
    • Peach tree: Limbs are breaking due to fruit overload
    • PVC shade structure for garden
    • Mexican Heather: When should it be pruned
    • Hydrangea: Not opening all the way – why?

    To ask questions for future shows, submit them at:

    • Facebook
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    • email Marlene at marlenetheplantlady@gmail.com

    Find Marlene over on YouTube, Instagram and Facebook

    Flower Power Garden Hour 72: Tara Beaver-Coronado of Beaver Vineyards Aug 22, 2020

    Tara Beaver-Coronado grew up on a farm -- but never thought she would become a farmer. After years of living away, the pull of the soil soon took over and she began Beaver Vineyards. I sit down with Tara to discuss her journey on starting her farm, trials and tribulations, the stresses and the anticipation of her very first harvest. Little did I know when we were talking that she was scheduled for heart surgery the following week. This just demonstrates the true grit of the American farmer.

    To ask questions for future shows, submit them at:

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    • email Marlene at marlenetheplantlady@gmail.com

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    Flower Power Garden Hour 71: Listener Q&A…potpourri Aug 06, 2020

    Listener Q&A episode -- Marlene answers listener submitted questions this week. Topics include:

    • Dahlia -- mite infestation
    • Corn – multiple shoots coming off each stalk….bad?
    • Artichoke – weed whacker mishap
    • Blueberry – decreasing crop over last season, and seem to be dying
    • Apricot – not producing mature fruit

    To ask questions for future shows, submit them at:

    • Facebook
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    • email Marlene at marlenetheplantlady@gmail.com

    Find Marlene over on YouTube, Instagram and Facebook

    Flower Power Garden Hour 70: Brad Gates of Wild Boar Farms Jul 26, 2020

    I sit down with THE Brad Gates of Wild Boar Farms and talk all things tomatoes. We cover common issues like Blossom End Rot, delayed fruit set and ripening….plus other strange anomalies like cat facing and zippering. I ask Brad how Covid-19 has affected his business and what beautiful, tasty new varieties he has on the horizon. If you want a primer on Brad’s history, the story of Wild Boar Farms, and his process of creating stunning, novel tomato varieties, then check out episode 34 -- my first interview with Brad.

    To ask questions for future shows, submit them at:

    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • email Marlene at marlenetheplantlady@gmail.com

    Find Marlene over on YouTube, Instagram and Facebook

    Flower Power Garden Hour 69: Listener Q&A…summer vegetable garden focus Jul 19, 2020

    Visit our show sponsor – Wild Foods Co – at wildfoods.co. Wild Foods is a nutrition company with a strict mission on utilizing real foods sourced globally from small growers. They have a vast range of products – including my favorite Keto bars to a variety of mushroom extracts to extremely clean protein powders (including plant based options). Use code ADHD12 at checkout to get 12% off your entire order.

    To ask questions for future shows, submit them at:

    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • email Marlene at marlenetheplantlady@gmail.com

    Find Marlene over on YouTube, Instagram and Facebook

    Flower Power Garden Hour 68: Vegetable pollination Jul 01, 2020

    Visit our show sponsor – Wild Foods Co – at wildfoods.co. Wild Foods is a nutrition company with a strict mission on utilizing real foods sourced globally from small growers. They have a vast range of products – including my favorite Keto bars to a variety of mushroom extracts to extremely clean protein powders (including plant based options). Use code ADHD12 at checkout to get 12% off your entire order.

    To ask questions for future shows, submit them at:

    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • email Marlene at marlenetheplantlady@gmail.com

    Find Marlene over on YouTube, Instagram and Facebook

    Flower Power Garden Hour 67: Listener Q&A Jun 02, 2020

    Visit our show sponsor – Wild Foods Co – at wildfoods.co. Wild Foods is a nutrition company with a strict mission on utilizing real foods sourced globally from small growers. They have a vast range of products – including my favorite Keto bars to a variety of mushroom extracts to extremely clean protein powders (including plant based options). Use code ADHD12 at checkout to get 12% off your entire order.

    To ask questions for future shows, submit them at:

    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • email Marlene at marlenetheplantlady@gmail.com

    Find Marlene over on YouTube, Instagram and Facebook

    Flower Power Garden Hour 66: Pests…their damage & how to control May 19, 2020

    Visit our show sponsor – Wild Foods Co – at wildfoods.co. Wild Foods is a nutrition company with a strict mission on utilizing real foods sourced globally from small growers. They have a vast range of products – including my favorite Keto bars to a variety of mushroom extracts to extremely clean protein powders (including plant based options). Use code ADHD12 at checkout to get 12% off your entire order.

    To ask questions for future shows, submit them at:

    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • email Marlene at marlenetheplantlady@gmail.com

    Find Marlene over on YouTube, Instagram and Facebook

    Flower Power Garden Hour 65: Listener Q&A Apr 27, 2020

    Visit our show sponsor – Wild Foods Co – at wildfoods.co. Wild Foods is a nutrition company with a strict mission on utilizing real foods sourced globally from small growers. They have a vast range of products – including my favorite Keto bars to a variety of mushroom extracts to extremely clean protein powders (including plant based options). Use code ADHD12 at checkout to get 12% off your entire order.

    To ask questions for future shows, submit them at:

    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • email Marlene at marlenetheplantlady@gmail.com

    Find Marlene over on YouTube, Instagram and Facebook

    Flower Power Garden Hour 64: Summer Vegetable Planting Apr 20, 2020

    Here is the list of varieties I mention in the show that I have planted this season.

    Tomatoes (I purchase these varieties from Wild Boar Farms):

    • Cosmic Eclipse
    • Indigo Apple
    • Black Beauty
    • Pineapple Pig
    • Brad’s Atomic Grape
    • Green Zebra Cherry
    • Candy Sweet Icicle
    • Barry’s Crazy Cherry
    • Pink Berkley Tie Dye
    • Porkchop
    • Big Sungold Select

    Peppers:

    • Ajvarski
    • Shishito
    • Lesya
    • Sugar Rush Cream
    • Aji Charapita
    • Mini Bell pepper

    Beans:

    • Landreth stringless
    • Chinese Red Noodle
    • Blauhilde
    • Winged bean

    Cucumbers:

    • Beit Alpha
    • Sikkim

    Melons:

    • Orangeglo
    • Banana
    • Royal Golden watermelon
    • Strawberry
    • Charentais

    Corn:

    • Striped Japonica

    Tomatillos:

    • Green
    • Purple

    Eggplant:

    • Black Beauty
    • Japanese Long
    • Rosa Bianca

    Zucchini:

    • Dark green

    Visit our show sponsor – Wild Foods Co – at wildfoods.co. Wild Foods is a nutrition company with a strict mission on utilizing real foods sourced globally from small growers. They have a vast range of products – including my favorite Keto bars to a variety of mushroom extracts to extremely clean protein powders (including plant based options). Use code ADHD12 at checkout to get 12% off your entire order.

    To ask questions for future shows, submit them at:

    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • email Marlene at marlenetheplantlady@gmail.com

    Find Marlene over on YouTube, Instagram and Facebook

    Flower Power Garden Hour 63: Gardening for (and with) kids Apr 11, 2020

    Visit our show sponsor – Wild Foods Co – at wildfoods.co. Wild Foods is a nutrition company with a strict mission on utilizing real foods sourced globally from small growers. They have a vast range of products – including my favorite Keto bars to a variety of mushroom extracts to extremely clean protein powders (including plant based options). Use code ADHD12 at checkout to get 12% off your entire order.

    To ask questions for future shows, submit them at:

    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • email Marlene at marlenetheplantlady@gmail.com

    Find Marlene over on YouTube, Instagram and Facebook

    Flower Power Garden Hour 62: Money Saving Gardening Hacks Mar 27, 2020

    Visit our show sponsor – Wild Foods Co – at wildfoods.co. Wild Foods is a nutrition company with a strict mission on utilizing real foods sourced globally from small growers. They have a vast range of products – including my favorite Keto bars to a variety of mushroom extracts to extremely clean protein powders (including plant based options). Use code ADHD12 at checkout to get 12% off your entire order.

    To ask questions for future shows, submit them at:

    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • email Marlene at marlenetheplantlady@gmail.com

    Find Marlene over on YouTube, Instagram and Facebook

    Flower Power Garden Hour 61: Listener Q&A Mar 14, 2020

    Visit our show sponsor – Wild Foods Co – at wildfoods.co. Wild Foods is a nutrition company with a strict mission on utilizing real foods sourced globally from small growers. They have a vast range of products – including my favorite Keto bars to a variety of mushroom extracts to extremely clean protein powders (including plant based options). Use code ADHD12 at checkout to get 12% off your entire order.

    To ask questions for future shows, submit them at:

    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • email Marlene at marlenetheplantlady@gmail.com

    Find Marlene over on YouTube, Instagram and Facebook

    Flower Power Garden Hour 60: Roses Deep-Dive, Part 2 Mar 01, 2020

    https://www.goldcountryrose.org/ Judy Frederick

    http://sierrafoothillsrosesociety.org/ Charlotte Owendyk

    https://www.rose.org/ American Rose Society

    Visit our show sponsor – Wild Foods Co – at wildfoods.co. Wild Foods is a nutrition company with a strict mission on utilizing real foods sourced globally from small growers. They have a vast range of products – including my favorite Keto bars to a variety of mushroom extracts to extremely clean protein powders (including plant based options). Use code ADHD12 at checkout to get 12% off your entire order.

    Find Marlene over on YouTube, Instagram and Facebook

    To ask questions for future shows, email Marlene at marlenetheplantlady@gmail.com

    Flower Power Garden Hour 59: Listener Q&A…mixed bag Feb 19, 2020

    Visit our show sponsor – Wild Foods Co – at wildfoods.co. Wild Foods is a nutrition company with a strict mission on utilizing real foods sourced globally from small growers. They have a vast range of products – including my favorite Keto bars to a variety of mushroom extracts to extremely clean protein powders (including plant based options). Use code ADHD12 at checkout to get 12% off your entire order.

    To ask questions for future shows,

    • email Marlene at marlenetheplantlady@gmail.com

    Find Marlene over on YouTube, Instagram and Facebook

    Flower Power Garden Hour 58: Cannabis growing methodology, with Mike Allarea of Fireworx Farms Feb 06, 2020

    I sit down with Mike Allarea (VP Cultivation) of Fireworx Farms to discuss their methodology for growing Cannabis. Having been in the industry for years, Mike has a formula that works to provide top quality product to their dispensaries. Amongst other things, we discuss beneficial insects, grow lights and what container method he has experienced most success with.

    • Lights: Gavita HID
    • Rooting Hormone: Clonex
    • Rockwool cubes: Grodan Hugo Blocks ( 1” and 6”)
    • Environmental/Water Sensors: Grodan GroSens Multisensor
    • Fertilizer/Beneficial Insects: Shalepeakhorticulture.com

    Visit our show sponsor – Wild Foods Co – at wildfoods.co. Wild Foods is a nutrition company with a strict mission on utilizing real foods sourced globally from small growers. They have a vast range of products – including my favorite Keto bars to a variety of mushroom extracts to extremely clean protein powders (including plant based options). Use code ADHD12 at checkout to get 12% off your entire order.

    To ask questions for future shows, submit them at:

    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • email Marlene at marlenetheplantlady@gmail.com

    Find Marlene over on YouTube, Instagram and Facebook

    Flower Power Garden Hour 57: Listener Q&A….potpourri Jan 26, 2020

    Marlene answers a variety of listener submitted questions this week. Topics this week include:

    • Dwarf Lime tree – growing indoors, but not fruiting
    • Birds of Paradise – best way to prune/control growth
    • Hibiscus – method to prune to ensure fuller growth next season
    • Amaryllis – how to treat after blooms disappear
    • Peach Leaf curl – timing of liquid copper spray application
    • Dragon fruit – what are the long white things growing off it

    To ask questions for future shows, submit them at:

    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • email Marlene at marlenetheplantlady@gmail.com

    Find Marlene over on YouTube, Instagram and Facebook

    Flower Power Garden Hour 56: Bonsai, with Jimmy Jet Black of Snail Trail 4x4 Jan 05, 2020

    What do you do when you inherit several decades-old bonsai? For my guest it was easy… become a bonsai grower yourself. Now over 10 years in, those inherited bonsai (some as old as 50) are thriving…in addition to many more Jimmy Jet Black has added. In this episode I talk to Jimmy about the fundamentals of bonsai and what his tips and tricks are including:

    • What are the easiest plants to start with
    • What is the best soil to use
    • How exactly do you grow bonsai with its roots exposed

    Jimmy Jet can be found at:

    • YouTube
    • Snail Trail4x4 podcast
    • Instagram
    • Twitter
    • Facebook
    • snailtrail4x4.com

    To ask questions for future shows, submit them at Marlene The Plant Lady Facebook page, or Instagram. You can also email Marlene questions, future show topic requests and feedback at marlenetheplantlady@gmail.com

    Flower Power Garden Hour 55: Listener Q&A Dec 29, 2019

    Marlene answers a variety of listener submitted questions this week. It’s a grab bag of topics this time, including:

    • Hydrangea – did not flower…why?
    • Lemon tree – plant producing fruit, but appears sick…is it?
    • Tomatoes – late season, still producing, but not ripening
    • Irises – time of year to transfer?
    • Christmas Cactus – care during winter months
    • Oranges – splitting and molding….why?

    To ask questions for future shows, submit them at Marlene The Plant Lady Facebook page, or Instagram. You can also email Marlene questions, future show topic requests and feedback at marlenetheplantlady@gmail.com

    Flower Power Garden Hour 54: Hoyas, with Jonathan Robbins of Flori-Culture Dec 23, 2019

    Hoyas produce some of the most beautiful flowers, and the fact they can do so as a houseplant is a win-win. I sit down with the owner of Flori-Culture nursery, Jonathan Robbins, and we discuss the care and cultivation of Hoyas and other not-as-common houseplants. Included in this are the epiphytic cacti Rhipsalis, Dischidias and even the much sought after Selenicereus wittii. Learn Jonathan’s propagation tips, soil recommendations and watering techniques.

    Jonathan can be found at:

    Wesbite: Flori-Culture.com

    Instagram: flori.culture.orchid.supplies

    Facebook: Click here

    Email: sales@flori-culture.com

    If you live in or are visiting Northern California, be sure to visit Flori-Culture nursery at:

    7621 Fair Oaks Blvd

    Carmichael, CA 95608

    Flower Power Garden Hour 53: Listener Q&A…grab bag Dec 08, 2019

    Marlene answers a variety of listener submitted questions this week -- grab bag of questions.

    • Persimmon tree. Best time of year to buy/plant? Seed or bare root?
    • African Daisies – starting to die….advice?
    • Purple potatoes – can you let them grow over the winter?
    • Lemon tree. How to propagate….seed or cutting?
    • Jade plant. Severe damage due to freezing…can it be saved?
    • Gnats &/or chewing insects – how to get rid of
    • Timing of liquid copper spray

    To ask questions for future shows, submit them at Marlene The Plant Lady Facebook page, or Instagram. You can also email Marlene questions, future show topic requests and feedback at marlenetheplantlady@gmail.com

    Flower Power Garden Hour 52: Plant Defenses Dec 01, 2019

    Poisons, spines and secondary metabolites….plants have numerous ways of ensuring they are protected and dispersed. I sit down with botanist Jonathon Holguin and we discuss some of our favorite ways plants protect/disperse themselves. Why does Stevia taste sweet, what are the compounds in stinging nettle and what happens when you get Euphorbia sap in your eye? Some of these defenses we encounter often while hiking, and others we hope to never experience -- such as Giant cow parsnip or Monkshood poisoning. Others are essential in our everyday life… such as coffee and chocolate.

    To ask questions for future shows, submit them at Marlene The Plant Lady Facebook page, or Instagram. You can also email Marlene questions, future show topic requests and feedback at marlenetheplantlady@gmail.com

    Flower Power Garden Hour 51: Summer vegetable wrap up show Nov 24, 2019

    This is a review show of what worked and didn’t work in my vegetable garden this summer. I go over both the varieties of plant and techniques I used with a critical perspective.

    • Tomatoes. Florida weave versus cages. My pruning process in the future. Straw as weed block. Success of varieties including Sungold, Black Beauty, Berkley Tie Dye
    • Peppers. MANY successes, including ghost peppers, shishito, poblano, bell peppers, Rhenza Macedonia. Why the success?
    • Melons. Mixed bag on planting technique – too crowded. Review on varieties (hit and miss on success), and future plans
    • Also review: eggplants, beans, Solanum quitoense, zucca gourd, Sakurajima giant radish, corn and more

    To ask questions for future shows, submit them at Marlene The Plant Lady Facebook page, or Instagram. You can also email Marlene questions, future show topic requests and feedback at marlenetheplantlady@gmail.com

    Flower Power Garden Hour 50: Listener Q&A…potpourri Oct 19, 2019

    Marlene answers a variety of listener submitted questions this week -- grab bag of questions.

    • Fall planting – what can still be planted for Fall in the San Joaquin Valley
    • Rose bushes – yellow spots on leaves….what to do to prevent
    • Ficus – losing leaves on only a certain portion of the plant
    • Comfrey – can it be planted in raised beds for winter?
    • How to break through hard pan in order to plant
    • Superblue Lavendar – for indoor growing in the Northeast US, should a ceramic or plastic pot be used
    • Bromeliad – help with growing a very dry, no natural light office

    To ask questions for future shows, submit them at Marlene The Plant Lady Facebook page, or Instagram. You can also email Marlene questions, future show topic requests and feedback at marlenetheplantlady@gmail.com

    Flower Power Garden Hour 49: Terrariums Oct 02, 2019

    Terrariums are a great way to grow a landscape on a miniature scale. I sit down with expert terrarium builders Kyle Shankle and Eric Cendejas to discuss building a terrarium from container up. Learn what soil is best, water-proofing techniques, drainage, how to build features, which lighting system to choose and of course all the plants that will reward you with your own mini-jungle.

    Eric can be found @aroiddaddy on Instagram

    To ask questions for future shows, submit them at Marlene The Plant Lady Facebook page, or Instagram. You can also email Marlene questions, future show topic requests and feedback at marlenetheplantlady@gmail.com

    Flower Power Garden Hour 48: Listener Q&A...flower focus Sep 22, 2019

    Marlene answers a variety of listener submitted questions this week. The focus is on flowers this week, with a smattering of vegetables thrown in.

    • Black tulip magnolia – not blooming, unhealthy looking
    • Mums – growing tall, but not flowering
    • Bougainvillea – growing out of control, how to train
    • Christmas cactus – half growing well, half not
    • Butterfly bushes – how to prep for winter
    • Japanese maples – browning as summer gets hot
    • “Rusty” leaves – what is causing, how to mitigate
    • Tomatoes – second harvest is green and hard
    • Avocados – tree not producing

    To ask questions for future shows, submit them at Marlene The Plant Lady Facebook page, or Instagram. You can also email Marlene questions, future show topic requests and feedback at marlenetheplantlady@gmail.com

    Flower Power Garden Hour 47: Ethnobotany, with Nathan Gonzales Sep 11, 2019

    Marlene sits down with Nathan Gonzales, instructional assistant of biology at American River College and talks about his favorite plants to use medicinally and while on the trail. Learn what California native can be used as an antimicrobial band-aid in a pinch, what plants make the best fire starting material and what uncommon plant can be snacked on to get you a bit giddy! This ethnobotany centric episode covers many of the plants people see every day when hiking and dwells into the many uses Native Americans have for them.

    To ask questions for future shows, submit them at Marlene The Plant Lady Facebook page, or Instagram. You can also email Marlene questions, future show topic requests and feedback at marlenetheplantlady@gmail.com

    Flower Power Garden Hour 46: Oaks, with Emily Griswold Aug 25, 2019

    Mighty, majestic… these are words often used to describe Oaks. For Emily Griswold, Oaks are so much more.. they are her passion. She has turned this passion into collecting and disseminating different Oak species to various collections across the world, as well as curating the 300-species-strong Shields Oak Grove on the UC Davis campus. I sit down with Emily and tap into her knowledge on all things Oaks… how to grow, diseases, species suitable for backyards, the smallest and the oldest (which will blow your mind).

    Click here for article on the oldest know oak talked about during episode.

    To ask questions for future shows, submit them at Marlene The Plant Lady Facebook page, or Instagram. You can also email Marlene questions, future show topic requests and feedback at marlenetheplantlady@gmail.com

    Flower Power Garden Hour 45: Listener Q&A Aug 11, 2019

    Marlene answers a variety of listener submitted questions this week. It’s a grab bag of topics this time, including:

    • Hibiscus leaves dropping – causation?
    • Orchids – root location
    • Watermelons with a black spot on bottom – fungus or?
    • Passion Fruit viability – Central Valley CA
    • Dwarf lemon not producing
    • Watermelons – white inside….why?
    • Roses – tiny holes in flowers

    To ask questions for future shows, submit them at Marlene The Plant Lady Facebook page, or Instagram. You can also email Marlene questions, future show topic requests and feedback at marlenetheplantlady@gmail.com

    Flower Power Garden Hour 44: Cacao, with Cru Chocolate Jul 28, 2019

    How did two engineers become chocolate makers? As we discuss the process of making chocolate with Karla McNeil and Eddie Houston, owners of Cru Chocolate, it becomes clear that chocolate making is not only an art but part chemistry and engineering. This episode covers the history of cacao, its importance in many South American cultures and the steps to make beans to bar. Additionally, we dive into the challenges of being a company with a culture focused on sustainability and ensuring the success of their South American partners.

    Cru Chocolate can be found at:

    www.cruchocolate.com. Locations to purchase and partners can be found here.

    Instagram

    Facebook

    Twitter

    To ask questions for future shows, submit them at Flower Power Garden Hour Facebook page, The Plant Lady Facebook page, or Instagram. You can also email Marlene questions, future show topic requests and feedback at marlenetheplantlady@gmail.com

    Flower Power Garden Hour 43: Dr. Matt Amicucci – not all carbs are created equal Jul 10, 2019

    Growing a cover crop is a great way to incorporate nitrogen into the soil, but what exactly does this mean? What are the best plants for it and what are the steps to getting the most out of the cover crop. I sit down with Dr. Matt Amicucci, owner of Calyxo Biosystems, and discuss nitrogen fixation. We then veer into his involvement in the research and discovery of a native Oaxacan corn that makes enough nitrogen that the local farmers have never fertilized their soil! We then go into more detail into Matt’s PhD work…. how not all carbs are created equal. Matt’s research took over 1,000 fruit and vegetables and broke down every carb and sugar to map out what exactly we eat and how it affects our health. A fascinating discussion about our preconceived notions regarding certain foods, gut biome and potential applications of the research.

    Matt can be found at @farmforageferment on Instagram

    To ask questions for future shows, submit them at Flower Power Garden Hour Facebook page, The Plant Lady Facebook page, or Instagram. You can also email Marlene questions, future show topic requests and feedback at marlenetheplantlady@gmail.com

    Flower Power Garden Hour 42: Pollinators for fruits and vegetables Jun 25, 2019

    Bees, butterflies, beetles, oh my. These are just some of the important pollinators needed to achieve great fruit and vegetable set in your garden. Find out which plants are best at attracting pollinators, as well as tips and tricks on hand pollinating when pollinators go MIA. Learn why your strawberries and squash are malformed, as well as how to plant corn to achieve high quality. This episode covers all things pollination!

    To ask questions for future shows, submit them at Flower Power Garden Hour Facebook page, The Plant Lady Facebook page, or Instagram. You can also email Marlene questions, future show topic requests and feedback at marlenetheplantlady@gmail.com

    Flower Power Garden Hour 41: Listener Q&A…Summer Vegetable Gardening Jun 16, 2019

    An episode dedicated to answering questions submitted by listeners. Topics this week include:

    • Peppers – poor growth and production
    • Tomatoes and squash – what are the best fertilizers/amendments
    • Leaf curling on tomatoes
    • Epsom salt – good for plants (specifically tomatoes)?
    • Technique for disinfecting gardening shears
    • Marigolds as companion plants
    • Is peat moss effective to retain moisture in soil

    To ask questions for future shows, submit them at Flower Power Garden Hour Facebook page, The Plant Lady Facebook page, or Instagram. You can also email Marlene questions, future show topic requests and feedback at marlenetheplantlady@gmail.com

    Flower Power Garden Hour 40: Farmer Fred Hoffman, Master Gardener and Garden Show radio host May 26, 2019

    Marlene sits down with “Farmer Fred” Hoffman, renown long time Garden Show radio host, writer and lifetime Master Gardener. Having decades of both practical experience and countless hours with farmers/garden professionals, Fred is an incredible fountain of knowledge, tips, troubleshooting – and a amazing storyteller in the best sense.

    Subjects discussed:

    Farmer Fred history; Growing up in North Hollywood; From radio to gardening; From Captain Fred to Farmer Fred; Truckers come to the rescue to find Farmer Fred’s stolen car; Diazinon experience piques Fred’s interest in gardening; Organic heirloom popcorn farming; When to plant tomatoes; Tomato Blossom End Rot and how to treat (or not); Beneficial insects and how to attract; Farmer Fred’s favorite tomatoes to grow; Heirloom tomatoes and limited fruit set; Marlene’s favorite peppers (Padrone and Shishido); Raised bed construction and irrigation; Companion planting; Malabar spinach – trellis climbing, summer greens; Tomato cages and the Florida Weave; Concrete reinforcement wire in raised beds; Compost, woodchips, straw for pathways and weed control; Strawberries…why Marlene and Fred don’t grow; Growing blueberries in metal water troughs; Farmer Fred’s best Christmas gift ever; Marlene’s greenhouse construction project; Country living; Fred and Marlene’s cycling stories

    Farmer Fred can found EVERYWHERE:

    FarmerFred.com, his website with TONS of articles, how-to guides, tips, and links

    KFBK Garden Show every Sunday from 8:00 – 10:00am PST, and available as KFBK Garden Show Podcast

    KSTE Get Growing Show every Sunday from 10:00 – 12:00pm PST, and available as KSTE Get Growing Podcast

    KSTE Farm Hour every Sunday from 12:00 – 1:00pm PST, and available as KSTE Farm Hour Podcast

    Farmer Fred Facebook

    Farmer Fred Twitter

    Farmer Fred Instagram

    Farmer Fred Pinterest

    To ask questions for future shows, submit them at Flower Power Garden Hour Facebook page, The Plant Lady Facebook page, or Instagram. You can also email Marlene questions, future show topic requests and feedback at marlenetheplantlady@gmail.com

    Flower Power Garden Hour 39: Plant Cuttings May 17, 2019

    In this episode Marlene delves into making softwood cuttings in order to propagate clones of parent plants. Taking cuttings is a fast and reliable method of obtaining numerous plants from a small amount of source material.

    Marlene covers:

    • Auxin -- primary hormone for root production
    • Step by step process of how to successfully take a cutting
    • Common issues people run into with cuttings

    To ask questions for future shows, submit them at Flower Power Garden Hour Facebook page, The Plant Lady Facebook page, or Instagram. You can also email Marlene questions, future show topic requests and feedback at marlenetheplantlady@gmail.com

    Flower Power Garden Hour 38: Listener Q&A Apr 23, 2019

    Marlene answers a variety of listener submitted questions this week. It’s a grab bag of topics this time, including:

    • How to treat a sparse looking Daphne
    • How to stop insects from eating sweet basil and tomatoes
    • Browning Camellias
    • Yellowing leaves on a tomato plant
    • Is putting ice cubes on soil an effective method of watering
    • Pruning of Weeping Cherry tree

    To ask questions for future shows, submit them at Flower Power Garden Hour Facebook page, The Plant Lady Facebook page, or Instagram. You can also email Marlene questions, future show topic requests and feedback at marlenetheplantlady@gmail.com

    Flower Power Garden Hour 37: Lavender, with Tina Reikes of Bear Flag Farm Mar 31, 2019

    Tina Reikes was not always a farmer. 9/11 caused Tina to reevaluate her life, leading her to deviate from her corporate real estate career to seek something more fulfilling. Never having farmed, but armed with a desire to find a rural based lifestyle, Tina searched for the perfect location. A few years later, Bear Flag Farm was born. 26 acres tucked amongst almond & walnut orchards in the ag town of Winters CA, Tina began her career as a boutique farmer of lavender, olive oil, wine – and to boot, being a world renown wedding venue. Here we discuss Tina’s trials & errors of lavender farming, including her favorite varieties, how/when to prune, & the other aspects of her life as a farmer.

    To ask questions for future shows, submit them at Flower Power Garden Hour Facebook page, The Plant Lady Facebook page, or Instagram. You can also email Marlene questions, future show topic requests and feedback at marlenetheplantlady@gmail.com

    Flower Power Garden Hour 36: Listener Q&A….Vegetable Focus Mar 16, 2019

    A listener questions episode this week focusing on vegetables:

    • Does cornmeal work as a pre-emergent herbicide
    • Why does broccoli bolt? What is bolting?
    • Do eggshells and/or diatomaceous earth effectively kill snails and slugs?
    • Use of heat mats to start seeds
    • My go-to soil amendments for vegetable garden soil preparation – and when to use

    To ask questions for future shows, submit them at Flower Power Garden Hour Facebook page, The Plant Lady Facebook page, or Instagram. You can also email Marlene questions, future show topic requests and feedback at marlenetheplantlady@gmail.com

    Flower Power Garden Hour 35: Vermiculture – How to raise Composting Worms Feb 24, 2019

    Kate Waldo owns Worm Fancy, a business focused on diverting food waste going into our landfills. She began by working with schools, and implementing local programs which yielded some astounding results – in some cases a 3x reduction in daily trash volume. The scale and applicability of raising composting worms varies widely – from single family home use, to schools & business, to large scale ag operations. Here Kate walks through steps to start and guidance about how to be successful with raising your own composting worms.

    • Types of containers to use (stackable tray systems; Rubbermaid containers)
    • How to set up containers -- bedding, feeding, moisture
    • Ideal type of worm for composting (Eisenia fetida, aka Red Wigglers)
    • Temperature range
    • How to sort worms for harvesting – YouTube video on Light Sorting worms

    Pre-configured bins or stackable trays for raising worms can be purchased at Worm Fancy, as well as worms to start your population and bulk castings.

    Worm Fancy can be found on Instagram @wormfancy

    To ask questions for future shows, submit them at Flower Power Garden Hour Facebook page, The Plant Lady Facebook page, or Instagram. You can also email Marlene questions, future show topic requests and feedback at marlenetheplantlady@gmail.com

    Flower Power Garden Hour 34: Tomato Expert, Brad Gates Feb 14, 2019

    A highly anticipated episode, featuring world renown tomato expert, Brad Gates. Based in Napa Valley, Brad owns Wild Boar Farms where he fastidiously spends years creating new varieties of exotic tomatoes, optimized to be “stunning looking tomato varieties with extreme flavor.” To bring a new variety to market, it takes Brad on average 6-7 years of breeding for the desired traits and selecting the strongest plants each season to begin the following generation. Using fully organic and sustainable farming techniques, Wild Boar is 100% not GMO. Landscape/construction by trade, plant geneticist by proxy – Brad is known for his spectacular tomatoes such as Brad’s Atomic Grape, Black Beauty, Dark Galaxy and Blue Gold.

    Over 60 varieties of Brad’s tomato seeds can be purchased at Wild Boar Farms, and plants can be purchased seasonally at select Northern CA nurseries (see website for detail)

    Brad can be found on Instagram @wildboarfarms and Facebook

    To ask questions for future shows, submit them at Flower Power Garden Hour Facebook page, The Plant Lady Facebook page, or Instagram. You can also email Marlene questions, future show topic requests and feedback at marlenetheplantlady@gmail.com

    Flower Power Garden Hour 33: Bees – How to start and maintain a colony Jan 23, 2019

    This is a much requested and anticipated episode with a deep dive on bees. Bee expert Dave Watson joins the show to share best practices for successfully raising bees. Dave provides a step by step process on how to set up your hive (including terminology/equipment), proper maintenance, location considerations, how to smoke bees, how to split colonies, pest/disease control, and much more (including hive social dynamics).

    Dave is a fantastic teacher – this show serves as the How-To guide for those looking to get into beekeeping or seasoned beekeepers looking to expand their existing knowledge.

    As part of his business, Dave helps people by removing bee swarms. This unique phenomena is discussed near the end of the podcast, with Dave sharing some of his best stories.

    Check out Dave’s Facebook @ DRWatsonapiaries

    Dave sells his NorCal Gold Country honey at The Golden Gecko, where he also teaches beekeeping classes

    Other valuable resources are the Sacramento Area Beekeepers Association and their Facebook page (here)

    To ask questions for future shows, submit them at Flower Power Garden Hour Facebook page, The Plant Lady Facebook page, or Instagram. You can also email Marlene questions, future show topic requests and feedback at marlenetheplantlady@gmail.com

    Flower Power Garden Hour 32: Roses Deep-Dive, Part 1 Jan 11, 2019

    This is part 1 of 2 that comprises a comprehensive breakdown of anything and everything about roses, with a focus on bare-root. Here Marlene covers:

    Types of roses: Old English, ramblers, climbers, hybrid teas, grandifloras, floribundas, moss rose

    Purchasing: What to look for when buying bare-root roses

    Planting: Bare-root, actively growing roses, grafted versus non-grafted, soil, temperature range, drainage tolerance, sun requirements, when to plant, techniques of successful planting

    Pruning: When to prune depending on type and area, techniques, preventing disease transfer

    To ask questions for future shows, submit them at Flower Power Garden Hour Facebook page, The Plant Lady Facebook page, or Instagram. You can also email Marlene questions, future show topic requests and feedback at marlenetheplantlady@gmail.com

    Flower Power Garden Hour 31: Listener Q&A….Cold Weather Prep Nov 22, 2018

    A listener questions episode this week featuring:

    • African violets….tips for re-potting
    • Succulent protection in cold weather and frost
    • All about Rue (Ruta graveolens)….growing tips
    • Mushroom infestation…potential diagnosis and recommendations
    • Pest control (beetles)…how to selectively predate their larvae

    To ask questions for future shows, submit them at Flower Power Garden Hour Facebook page, The Plant Lady Facebook page, or Instagram. You can also email Marlene questions, future show topic requests and feedback at msimon@marlenesimon.net

    Flower Power Garden Hour 30: Houseplants – Care and Feeding, part 2 Nov 07, 2018

    Alan Yip, Masters in Horticulture and Biodiversity, joins for Part 2 on a discussion around everything houseplants. Here we focus on tips and tricks about how to optimize your indoor plants. Topics include:

    • Potting soils – how to choose or make your own
    • Make your plants shiny (?)
    • Protecting plants from cats
    • Treat fungal gnats
    • Dispelling common myths
    • Common issues, such as leaf browning

    To ask questions for future shows, submit them at Flower Power Garden Hour Facebook page, The Plant Lady Facebook page, or Instagram. You can also email Marlene questions, future show topic requests and feedback at msimon@marlenesimon.net

    Flower Power Garden Hour 29: Houseplants – Retro, Easy and Stylish, part 1 Nov 04, 2018

    Alan Yip, Masters in Horticulture and Biodiversity, joins today for a discussion on houseplants. Alan is an expert on orchids, and we will do an upcoming episode specifically on those. Here we talk about all things houseplants, focusing on ones which are easy to grow, tips for making them thrive, and common problems and solutions. We also dive into which houseplants are the popular ones currently. We’ve gone retro, because 1970’s houseplants are in! Popular plants discussed include Monstera and Ficus lyrata (aka Fiddle Leaf Fig).

    To ask questions for future shows, submit them at Flower Power Garden Hour Facebook page, The Plant Lady Facebook page, or Instagram. You can also email Marlene questions, future show topic requests and feedback at msimon@marlenesimon.net

    Flower Power Garden Hour 28: Winchester Mystery House, with Delmar Duldulao Oct 28, 2018

    Delmar Duldulao was the Head Gardener at the Winchester Mystery House in San Jose, CA for over 20 years. The Winchester House is an 161 room estate in the heart of Silicon Valley, originally built by Sarah Winchester in the early 1900’s. Originally on 160 acres of fruit orchards, the house still sits on 4.5 acres, with 2 being manicured gardens. The Winchester House is where I had my first job and introduction into gardening, where I worked with Delmar as Assistant Gardener in my late teenage years. Delmar was the perfect teacher – a genius at mixing science & art applied to the incredible variety of plants we worked with. Here we discuss the unique plants, challenges & history of the gardens at the Winchester House.

    Delmar owns The Garden Samurai, a landscaping companying in Silicon Valley.

    To ask questions for future shows, submit them at Flower Power Garden Hour Facebook page, The Plant Lady Facebook page, or Instagram. You can also email Marlene questions, future show topic requests and feedback at msimon@marlenesimon.net

    Flower Power Garden Hour 27: Plant Communication and Defense, with Dr. Richard Karban Oct 22, 2018

    Dr. Richard Karban is a researcher at UC Davis, where he is an expert in the field of plant defenses and plant-insect interactions. His studies with sagebrush and how they “communicate” to decrease herbivore predation has been groundbreaking. Plant communication has been a hotly contested discussion for the better part of a decade. Although the general consensus in the scientific community now is that plant communication DOES occur, the mechanism(s) by which this happens is not well known or agreed upon.

    Watch Dr Karban’s TED-Ed talk on Plant Communication here

    Check out Wired Magazine’s article on Dr Karban here

    Find Dr Karban’s book Plant Sensing and Communication here

    To ask questions for future shows, submit them at Flower Power Garden Hour Facebook page, The Plant Lady Facebook page, or Instagram. You can also email Marlene questions, future show topic requests and feedback at msimon@marlenesimon.net

    Succulents and Unique, Rare Plants Oct 11, 2018

    Brendan Wilce is a UCD graduate with a BA in Environmental Horticulture & Urban Forestry. He is a nursery industry veteran, currently working at El Dorado Nursery in Shingle Springs, CA. Brendan is a longtime friend and colleague, and has an amazing collection of succulents (Pachypodium, Stapeliads, Aloes, Agaves, dwarf Cactus), maples, oaks, woodland perennials, & rhododendron species. He is an amazing resource of knowledge in the above and has a relentless interest in anything rare, unique, or simply odd.

    Check out his collection & plant photos at theplanimal on Instagram.

    To ask questions for future shows, submit them at Flower Power Garden Hour Facebook page, The Plant Lady Facebook page, or Instagram. You can also email Marlene questions, future show topic requests and feedback at msimon@marlenesimon.net

    Flower Power Garden Hour 25: Listener Mailbag Sep 28, 2018

    A listener questions episode this week featuring:

    • Leaf curling on citrus trees
    • Geriatric Christmas Cactus not blooming
    • Difficulty growing Rhododendron in Northern California
    • Mosaic Virus (or some other virus) in vegetables such as zucchini, tomatoes, cucumber
    • Gnats infiltrated hibiscus
    • Stubborn Plumeria not blooming

    To ask questions for future shows, submit them at Flower Power Garden Hour Facebook page, The Plant Lady Facebook page, or Instagram. You can also email Marlene questions, future show topic requests and feedback at msimon@marlenesimon.net

    Flower Power Garden Hour 24: Unusual Edible Plants Sep 15, 2018

    Tony Lord first developed his love of exotic edible plants while working as a social anthropologist in Micronesia. After his retirement as an Anthropology Professor at Long Beach State, he continued this passion in his Sacramento garden. Scouring plant & seed catalogs, Tony is intrigued by any plant that says, “will amaze your neighbors”. He is driven by the challenge of a difficult plant to cultivate. This could be anything from sugar cane to Moringa…. amazing because Tony grows in a Mediterranean zone as opposed tropical, yet he has continued success. We discuss many unusual plants we both have tried & Tony shares his tips & tricks.

    To ask questions for future shows, submit them at Flower Power Garden Hour Facebook page, The Plant Lady Facebook page, or Instagram. You can also email Marlene questions, future show topic requests and feedback at msimon@marlenesimon.net

    Flower Power Garden Hour 23: Fall/Winter Vegetable Garden Preparation Aug 26, 2018

    It’s late August which means…time to start preparing and planting your Fall/Winter vegetable garden NOW!! Marlene discusses:

    • Strategy to plant Winter vegetables when summer garden still going well
    • Direct sow seeds or plant starters (small plants)
    • Types of winter vegetables and containers/locations they can be grown in (Kale, broccoli, brussel sprouts, beets, carrots, radishes, onions, potatoes, cabbage, etc)
    • Critical aspects of success, including cover crops for nitrogen fixing (such as fava beans, red clover)
    • Proper soil amendment (compost, potting soil, garden soil)
    • Pests and treatment at different points in Fall/Winter season

    To ask questions for future shows, submit them at Flower Power Garden Hour Facebook page, The Plant Lady Facebook page, or Instagram. You can also email Marlene questions, future show topic requests and feedback at msimon@marlenesimon.net

    Flower Power Garden Hour 22: Listener Q&A….Fruit Focus Aug 12, 2018

    A listener Q&A episode this week featuring:

    • Seedless green & red grapes producing very small fruit – why and how to fix
    • How to know when a watermelon is ripe and ready to harvest
    • Avocado trees grown indoors – when and how to move outside
    • Edible weeds – example, Purslane
    • Techniques to propagate a Crape Myrtle from a sucker
    • Azalea health
    • Best soil type for raised vegetable beds
    • Yellow spots – causes and how to fix

    To ask questions for future shows, submit them at Flower Power Garden Hour Facebook page, The Plant Lady Facebook page, or Instagram. You can also email Marlene questions, future show topic requests and feedback at msimon@marlenesimon.net

    Flower Power Garden Hour 21: Albino Redwoods – Mutant Takeover Aug 05, 2018

    Mutations happen, just ask the X-Men. Zane Moore, a PhD student at UC Davis, wants to know why. More specifically he wants to know what possible long term ramifications can be – an effect known as “mutational meltdown”. Zane’s particular area of study are Albino Redwoods, mutant trees that lack chlorophyll. He has been studying these since he was 16 years old after hearing a radio interview about them. We discuss the possible evolutionary benefits of having no chlorophyll such as acting as a heavy metal sink, clonal populations and associated risk/rewards, how redwoods grow, and the rarity (maybe…) of these trees.

    Zane Moore – the Professor X of Redwoods.

    To ask questions for future shows, submit them at Flower Power Garden Hour Facebook page, The Plant Lady Facebook page, or Instagram. You can also email Marlene questions, future show topic requests and feedback at msimon@marlenesimon.net

    Flower Power Garden Hour 20: Listener Q&A….Potpourri Jul 14, 2018

    A listener questions episode this week featuring:

    • Hydrangeas not blooming – why??
    • Fungus on Squash
    • Lemon tree issues – dropping fruit
    • Plumeria not growing after transplant
    • Best indoor plants for low light workspace
    • Best flowers for a cutting garden
    • Apple Cider Vinegar for fertilizer?

    To ask questions for future shows, submit them at Flower Power Garden Hour Facebook page, The Plant Lady Facebook page, or Instagram. You can also email Marlene questions, future show topic requests and feedback at msimon@marlenesimon.net

    Flower Power Garden Hour 19: Begonias – properties and growing/propagating techniques Jul 06, 2018

    All things Begonia this week. Paul Tsamtsis (lifetime Begonia gardener & expert) & Mike Tentis (lifetime gardener with a more recent Begonia fetish) join Marlene to discuss one of her favorite undervalued flowers - Begonias. Both are active members of the Sacramento Begonia Society, a chapter of the American Begonia Society.

    The gamete of topics are discussed:

    • Different forms (Rex, tuberous, rhizomatous, cane)
    • Preferred soil types
    • Propagation techniques (leaf cuttings, stem cuttings, “congfetti”, mop head)
    • Light exposure
    • Fertilizer types (Osmocote, bone meal, max sea)
    • Pests/diseases (mealybugs, powdery mildew)

    To ask questions for future shows, submit them at Flower Power Garden Hour Facebook page, The Plant Lady Facebook page, or Instagram. You can also email Marlene questions, future show topic requests and feedback at msimon@marlenesimon.net

    Flower Power Garden Hour 18: Listener Questions Jun 29, 2018

    Listener questions answered, ranging from protecting vegetable gardens from the summer heat, water strategy with regards to landscaping, causation & prevention of yellowing leaves, protection of plants from birds & insects, and how to best keep fuchsia flowers alive. Fertilizing and organic soil amendment technique and product choice is a common theme. Use these Q&A shows to help build your diagnostic capability to become a master gardener!

    To ask questions for future shows, submit them at Flower Power Garden Hour Facebook page, The Plant Lady Facebook page, or Instagram. You can also email Marlene questions, future show topic requests and feedback at msimon@marlenesimon.net

    Vegetable Gardening – Common Problems, Symptoms & Solutions Jun 16, 2018

    This episode covers many of the common vegetable garden problems Marlene gets asked about. She covers tomatoes, peppers, squash and more – spanning problems ranging from overwatering, over-fertilization, deficiencies, pollination issues resulting in lack of fruit set.

    To ask questions for future shows, submit them at Flower Power Garden Hour Facebook page, The Plant Lady Facebook page, or Instagram. You can also email Marlene questions, future show topic requests and feedback at msimon@marlenesimon.net

    Mycology 101 with Jason Carter Jun 09, 2018

    Jason Carter is a PhD candidate at UC Davis studying Pine Pitch Canker, which is a fungus responsible for mass death of Monterey Pines in California. As part of this, he is investigating specific fungus ability to tolerate grass defense compounds, and if there is a correlation to the capability this particular fungus has for resisting pine defenses.

    To ask questions for future shows, submit them at Flower Power Garden Hour Facebook page, The Plant Lady Facebook page, or Instagram. You can also email Marlene questions, future show topic requests and feedback at msimon@marlenesimon.net

    Flower Power Garden Hour 15: Horticulture Fake News -- Gardening Myths Debunked May 27, 2018

    We all know of common gardening hints and tips. Sometimes these are passed on through family generations, and sometimes they seem to pop up in the social media world. Some are based in solid principles, and some are based in logic that belongs deep in the sewer. This episode covers some of the more popular “garden myths” and whether they have any merit or are the fake news of the horticulture world. Lots of focus on vegetable and fruits.

    To ask questions for future shows, submit them at Flower Power Garden Hour Facebook page, The Plant Lady Facebook page, or Instagram. You can also email Marlene questions, future show topic requests and feedback at msimon@marlenesimon.net

    Flower Power Garden Hour 14: Gardening Q&A….Fruits, Vegetables and Flowers May 18, 2018

    Loads of listener questions this week, with topics ranging from fruit trees, vegetables, soil amendments and prep, to flower and shrub health in harsh summer conditions.

    To ask questions for future shows, submit them at Flower Power Garden Hour Facebook page, The Plant Lady Facebook page, or Instagram. You can also email Marlene questions, future show topic requests and feedback at msimon@marlenesimon.net

    Flower Power Garden Hour 13: Spanish Peppers….a story of gardening tips and the history of this pepper in Gloria Lopez’s family May 11, 2018

    Gloria has been growing the same lineage of peppers since her family brought them over from southern Spain in 1920. Following her grandfather & father, Gloria has kept this strain alive and vibrant. Whereas most Spanish immigrant families stopped growing or lost track of the seed, Gloria has been able to keep the tradition alive. Each year she starts 1,000 of these sweet peppers in her small greenhouse & gives away most. Her list of people who want them grows each year. In her own garden, she plants hundreds of them & selects the perfect ones to dry & harvest the seed from, furnishing the seeds to grow from the following year – sustainable agriculture at its finest. This pepper represents the long history Spanish immigrants have with agriculture in the Winters area and in California Agriculture. To chronicle this history Gloria interviewed hundreds of immigrants & their families complying their unique stories into a book and documentary, An American Paella: Becoming American while Staying Spanish

    You can find Gloria’s book and documentary at her website

    To ask questions for future shows, submit them at Flower Power Garden Hour Facebook page, The Plant Lady Facebook page, or Instagram

    Water Wise Gardening – Lawn Transformation and native drought tolerant plants with Taylor Lewis May 04, 2018

    Taylor Lewis, UC Davis Arboretum Teaching Nursery Manager, discusses water-wise, drought tolerant, California native gardening. Removing a lawn can be back-breaking…..Taylor shares his detailed methodology for transforming a lawn into a water-wise garden, with minimal intense physical labor. Taylor’s method makes lawn removal a much less daunting task. Additionally discussed is maintenance of soil after lawn transformation, low water usage irrigation types and technique, and ideal plants & flowers for water-wise gardening. Marlene loves Mediterranean gardening for this purpose. For a comprehensive list of high performing, low water usage plants, check out the UC Davis Arboretum “Arboretum All-Stars” list. They’ve been compiling this list for over a decade.

    You can reach Taylor at tclewis@ucdavis.edu

    To ask questions for future shows, submit them at Flower Power Garden Hour Facebook page, The Plant Lady Facebook page, or Instagram

    Check out past all past episodes and contact Marlene at marlenesimon.net

    Flower Power Garden Hour 11: Vegetable & Flower Gardening Q&A Apr 26, 2018

    A round of listener questions fills this week’s episode, with a mixed focus on vegetables, pest control & flowers. Specifically, Marlene answers questions regarding artichokes – how to keep healthy, pest free (or pest “controlled”) & how/when to harvest. On the floral front, Marlene tackles rose & lavender questions around care & specific variety blooming attributes. She dives into the unique Jericho rose – aka the Resurrection plant. Bonus -- hear about The Plant Lady’s unhealthy obsession with the My Favorite Murder podcast.

    To ask questions for future shows, submit them at Flower Power Garden Hour Facebook page, The Plant Lady Facebook page, or Instagram

    Flower Power Garden Hour 10: Eric Cendejas, Orchid Expert Apr 13, 2018

    Orchidelerium anybody? It was during the Victorian era that Orchidelerium took hold. Rich socialites & aristocrats hired their own plant hunters to gather and bring back as many different orchids as they could find. While poaching of rare orchids such as the Ghost Orchid still happens, the frenzy has died down. The ability to clone orchids from meristematic tissue has made these once hard to come by flowers as easy as grabbing one on the way out from the grocery store. In this episode Marlene & guest orchid exert Eric Cendejas touch upon the most commonly grown orchids & issues. What do you do once your Phalaenopsis stops blooming? How do I know when to divide my Cymbidiums? These questions along with pest, disease & fertilizing

    To ask questions for future shows, submit them at Flower Power Garden Hour Facebook page, The Plant Lady Facebook page, or Instagram

    Flower Power Garden Hour 9: Gardening Q&A Apr 09, 2018

    Listener questions are the focus of this episode, predominantly looking at flowers and succulents (with of course a dabble of tomato and vegetable gardening advice). Also, a discussion takes Marlene down the path of nurseries that sell PAINTED plants. Store deceit or wishful thinking of the budding gardener…..you decide. This week’s questions include cactus, poinsettias, hydrangea health and how to attract the insects you want (bees & butterflies).

    To ask questions for future shows, submit them at Flower Power Garden Hour Facebook page, The Plant Lady Facebook page, or Instagram

    Ask your question about: general gardening, specific tree care/health, specific flower/plant recommendations or issues, vegetable and fruits

    Flower Power Garden Hour 8: Tomato Gardening Deep Dive Apr 01, 2018

    This episode is a deep dive into tomato planting – how to set your spring/summer vegetable garden up for success. The first half of the episode focuses on the tactical aspects…when to plant, what & where to plant (containers versus native soil), soil amendments (fertilizer & compost), pruning & training, and tomato varieties (ie heirloom, roma, cherry). The second half of the show turns attention to the most common tomato questions – diagnosis and treatment of diseases, pest infestation & environmentally controlled health problems.

    To ask questions for future shows, submit them at Flower Power Garden Hour Facebook page, The Plant Lady Facebook page, or Instagram

    Ask your question about: general gardening, specific tree care/health, specific flower/plant recommendations or issues, vegetable and fruits

    Flower Power Garden Hour 7: Gardening Q&A Mar 24, 2018

    You say potato…Horticulturalists say Solanum tuberosum. This week Marlene delves into vegetable gardening discussing potato planting…the do’s and don’ts. In addition she will be answering your listener submitted garden questions. This week’s questions include suckers, mites, hummingbird plants, rose leaf spot, planting garlic, bareroot trees, what is “organic”…. and she introduces Beetlegoat!

    To ask questions for future shows, submit them at Flower Power Garden Hour Facebook page, The Plant Lady Facebook page, or Instagram

    Ask your question about: general gardening, specific tree care/health, specific flower/plant recommendations or issues, vegetable and fruits

    Flower Power Garden Hour 6: Matt Amicucci Mar 16, 2018

    Vegetable gardening 101 with Matt Amicucci. Matt is an Ag/Environmental chemistry PhD candidate, currently working in conjunction with the Foods For Health Institute. Their focus today is prepping vegetable gardens for spring planting. Marlene & Matt highlight their experiences with DIY raised beds, crops such as tomato and pepper varieties, organic gardening, fertilizing how-to, soil amending, seed starting, farm to fork, urban and sustainable gardening and Matt's unique planters.

    Matt can be found at @farmforageferment on Instagram

    Flower Power Garden Hour 5: Joel Ledford Mar 10, 2018

    Marlene "The Plant Lady" talks to Joel Ledford, PhD arachnologist at UC Davis…that makes him a spider researcher to us lay people. Marlene & Joel discuss his varied pathway to becoming a leading expert in the field, including stops in the Marine Corp, time as an elementary school teacher and a post-doc fellowship at the California Academy of Sciences. Their conversation ranges from evolutionary mechanisms, unique habitats and survival strategies, arachnophobia, spider myths, and Joel’s adventures/travels as a researcher.

    Flower Power Garden Hour 4: Bob Starnes Feb 21, 2018

    Marlene "The Plant Lady" sits down with Bob Starnes, owner of Shale Peak Horticulture. Bob is a leading expert in chemical-free pest management (aka bio-control), utilizing a multitude of predatory insects to control (ie hunt & kill) crop damaging pest populations. His IPM (integrated pest management) and consulting services are specifically targeted towards the burgeoning cannabis (marijuana) cultivator community in California. With a focus on maximizing efficacy, Bob utilizes bleeding edge drone and imaging technology to deploy beneficial insects and collect data on their impact.

    Bob’s company, Shale Peak Horticulture, can be found at http://www.sphort.com and on Instagram

    Flower Power Garden Hour 3: Gardening Q&A Feb 21, 2018

    Q&A with listener submitted questions. Topics include:

    • Challenges of growing ficus
    • Help with starting tulips
    • Tips for increasing citrus crop yield
    • Hydrangeas!
    • Yucca!
    • When to plant in the western US due to unseasonally early warmth
    • The top blockbuster horticulture movie of 2017. And Bitcoin.

    To ask questions for future shows, submit them at Flower Power Garden Hour Facebook page, The Plant Lady Facebook page, or Instagram

    Ask your question about: general gardening, specific tree care/health, specific flower/plant recommendations or issues, vegetable and fruits

    Flower Power Garden Hour 2: Barry Rice Feb 16, 2018

    Barry Rice is an astrobiologist, carnivorous plant and succulent researcher, 4th degree Kempo karate black belt and self-proclaimed agnostic Trekkie/Trekker. He is an astronomy professor at Sierra College, and is world renown for his work with Carnivorous plants. Barry can be found at sarracenia.com and his YouTube pages.

    Flower Power Garden Hour 1: Gardening Q&A Feb 16, 2018

    Intro to podcast and Marlene the Plant Lady answers questions submitted by listeners.

    To ask questions for future shows, submit them at Flower Power Garden Hour Facebook page, The Plant Lady Facebook page, or Instagram

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